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
• The best deals in Paris and Île-de-France this week, from January 19 to 25, 2026

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]

Acne Paper Palais Royal: the permanent (art) gallery for the Acne Studios brand opens in Paris
Paris mixes fashion and culture in style! On June 26, 2025, Acne Studios opened its first independent art gallery, Acne Paper Palais Royal, under the arcades of the Palais Royal. An arty new spot in the heart of the 1st arrondissement. [Read more]

L'Esquisse, Barbizon's new cultural hotel, both café and free museum
L'Esquisse is a fusion of hotel, café and free museum. We're off to Barbizon, the famous artists' village, to take advantage of this new spot that combines large, charming rooms, a great café by the fireplace and a free museum honoring the artists who have influenced Barbizon around the world. [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.