Free exhibitions to visit in December 2026: top picks in Paris and Île-de-France

We know it, we expect it, we prepare for it, and yet, every year, it's the same: the month of December and its many parties and celebrations drain our wallets awfully fast. We've got to face it: if we don't want to end up in the red (and we're not talking about Santa's outfit), we've got to save a little...

However, there's no reason to stop going out: in Paris, there are enough good deals and free events to keep us entertained every day, without spending a penny.

Are you a fan of art and culture? So are we! That’s why we’ve curated the best free exhibitions to explore in Paris and Île-de-France, this December. Don’t wait any longer—take a look at your upcoming cultural outings and discover something new.

• To be read
• This week's best bets for September 7–13, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France

Underline, a new cultural hub with free exhibitions spanning 2,000 m² under the arches of the Petite Ceinture.
Underline opens its eleven railway vaults to the public on Friday, September 18, 2026, in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. This 2,000-square-metre creative workshop puts materiality and crafts in the spotlight, with a free exhibition featuring 40 artists, a shop, workshops, and a cafe-bar. [Read more]

Jean Marquis, chronicler of everyday life: a free photo exhibition at the Roger Viollet Gallery
The French photographer Jean Marquis is in the spotlight at the Roger-Viollet Gallery, from October 8, 2026 to January 23, 2027: come discover this devotee of everyday life. [Read more]

Sow Our Resistances: An Activist Exhibition Free to Visit at the Maif Social Club
Contemporary artists imagine fairer, more sustainable futures in the exhibition Semons nos résistances, which is free to visit at the Maif Social Club from 17 October 2026 to 24 July 2027. [Read more]

[IN]IMAGINABLE: Imaginaries born from lowbrow and pop surrealism on display at Fluctuart
This autumn, the Fluctuart barge in Paris invites you to immerse yourself in the imaginaries born from lowbrow and pop surrealism. Catch it through December 20, 2026 to discover "[IN]IMAGINABLE", a free new exhibition that reveals a space where reality tips into fiction! [Read more]

Théo Mercier and Thomas Houseago: a free joint exhibition at Reiffers Initiatives
This fall, Reiffers Initiatives shines a spotlight on two rising contemporary artists. Head to Paris’s 17th arrondissement to explore the artistic worlds of British sculptor Thomas Houseago and French artist Théo Mercier in a joint, free exhibition not to be missed from October 23 to December 12, 2026. [Read more]

BACK TO MR CUTE : the season’s opening exhibition that will have all pop culture and street art lovers swooning.
Sponsored - What if your fondest childhood memories came to life in the heart of Paris? With BACK TO MR CUTE, discover the very first pop-up gallery dedicated to the world of artist Mr Cute. This immersive exhibit blends pop art and street art to playfully reimagine the iconic figures of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Goldorak, Candy, Marilyn, Amicalement Votre, Daft Punk, and many more await for a journey that’s as nostalgic as it is surprising… on view for only a few weeks. [Read more]

This free fashion exhibition in Paris reveals how the hats that headline the major runway shows are created.
Behind a beret, a boater, or a capeline lie hours of work and skills handed down through generations. From September 23 to December 13, 2026, the 19M will host a free exhibition dedicated to Maison Michel, inviting the public to discover the behind-the-scenes of hatmaking. [Read more]

U2: An Irish Story, the exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of Bono's band at the Irish Cultural Centre
This autumn, U2 turns 50! To mark the occasion, the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris is hosting a free exhibition devoted to the legendary Irish rock band U2. Mark your calendars for September 23, 2026, to discover this unprecedented event. [Read more]

Women sculptors honored in Prune Nourry's Visionaries exhibition at the Petit Palais
Artist Prune Nourry is set to spotlight forgotten women sculptors in the history of art with an exhibition at the Petit Palais, running from October 20, 2026 to January 24, 2027. [Read more]

Two centuries of images: a free, outdoor photography exhibition in Hauts-de-Seine.
The Domaine de Sceaux and the Chanteraines departmental park are hosting a brand-new, free photo exhibition. From June 18 to December 18, 2026, discover “Two Centuries of Images.” [Read more]

A free, immersive exhibit explores the 1867 Universal Exhibition and the evolution of photography in Paris
Dive into the heart of the 1867 World's Fair through the lens of photography, from November 25, 2026, to February 22, 2027. Experience this engaging and free exhibit at the National Archives, offering an immersive journey into this historic event. [Read more]

Silent Storytellers: Female Sculptors Share Their Journeys in a New Exhibition at Espace Monte-Cristo
The Monte-Cristo Space will host several female sculptors from April 18 to December 13, 2026, offering free access to the exhibition titled "Speakers of Silence." [Read more]

ZEUS, the iconic metal horse from the Olympics, on display for free at the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Paris
Zeus, the mechanical horse from the Olympic Games that captured everyone's hearts, has now arrived at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris. The towering steel colossus is open to the public free of charge from December 17, 2025, to January 10, 2027. [Read more]

With a program like this, you're already pretty busy. But that's not all! Free artistic and cultural events can be added to your agenda in the near future. To make sure you don't miss a thing, check out this guide regularly.

There's no shortage of good deals in Paris: you can always treat yourself at a low price! We wish you a wonderful December, and a wonderful festive season with Sortiraparis.com.