Exhibition / Best of

Top exhibitions in Paris

S.C.R. et la Rédaction Paris je t'aime - Updated on
Discover the best exhibitions in Paris now: paintings, photography, contemporary art and free exhibitions not to miss in 2026!

🎯Paris, capital of exhibitions

Art is the heartbeat of Paris, and top exhibitions are currently on show across the capital. Major retrospectives, and special exhibitions are showcasing contemporary works, classic masterpieces and unusual themes in iconic venues such as musée d'Orsay, the Louvre, the fondation Louis Vuitton, the Grand Palais, the musée de l'Orangerie, the Cinémathèque française as well as large-scale immersive installations like the Atelier des Lumières.

Free outdoor photo exhibitions on the railings of the Luxembourg Garden or Paris City Hall or in the alleys of Bercy Village also add to the current cultural offering. Around Beaubourg and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, as well as in the Belleville area, Parisian art galleries show free exhibitions that are popular with fans of contemporary or classical art, photography and sculpture.

🌟The best exhibition in Paris right now: our top 20 picks🌟

🎯Our tips for a carefree visit to the latest exhibitions

Book your tickets online and in advance for the most popular exhibitions of the cultural season. Some cultural venues require advance booking with specific time slots. This is a great way to enjoy your visit and avoid queueing at the entrance. Opt for morning slots as soon as museums and monuments open, or late-night openings available on certain weekdays, such as at the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, and the palais de Tokyo…

BOOK CURRENT TOP EXHIBITIONST

🔍Check out the exhibition calendar to catch all the best shows in 2026

Paris offers a vast selection of temporary exhibitions in museums, monuments and art galleries, as well as in more unusual venues or outdoors in the city’s parks and streets. The calendar of major exhibitions for 2026 is a helpful source for planning a bespoke list of things to see during your stay in Paris. Think about booking ahead!
👉SEE THE 2026 EXHIBITIONS CALENDAR

❓Frequently asked questions

What are the best exhibitions to see in Paris right now and in October 2026?

Currently, there are some exceptional exhibitions showing in Paris, including the Mary Cassatt. The Choice of Independence at the Musée d'Orsay, the blockbuster exhibitions Cezanne and us at the Grand Palais, and Monet, painting time at the Musée de l'Orangerie. Not forgetting Andy Warhol: line and image at the Musée du Luxembourg, Remember me at the Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection, Gustave Fayet. Collector - Designer at the Fondation Louis Vuitton as well as the immersive experiences Renaissance: Da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo and Planet Ocean: a Journey into the Depths at the Atelier des Lumières or 'Marie Antoinette' by Sofia Coppola at the Trianon at the Palace of Versailles.

What are the must-see exhibitions in Paris?

Major exhibitions showcasing the great masters of painting, renowned contemporary artists, and high-tech museum experiences are the highlights of the season. Some of them are eagerly anticipated by the public and can quickly draw large crowds.

Current major exhibitions Dates Venues
Eternal Tintoretto from 11 September to 24 January 2027 Musée Jacquemart-André
Andy Warhol: line and image from 16 September to 10 January 2027 Musée du Luxembourg
'Marie Antoinette' by Sofia Coppola from 22 September to 24 January 2027 The Trianon at the Palace of Versailles
Cezanne and us from 23 September to 17 January 2027 Grand Palais
Monet, painting time from 30 September to 25 January 2027 Musée de l'Orangerie
Mary Cassatt. The Choice of Independence from 6 October to 31 January 2027 Musée d'Orsay
Remember me from 7 October 2026 Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection
Zurbarán 1598-1664 from 7 October to 25 January 2027 Musée du Louvre
Belmondo, the Magnificent from 7 October to 31 January 2027 Cinémathèque française
Gustave Fayet. Collector - Designer from 9 October to 8 March 2027 Fondation Louis Vuitton
Planet Ocean: a Journey into the Depths from 16 October to 3 January 2027 Atelier des Lumières
Gianni Versace Retrospective from 5 June to 31 October Musée Maillol

How much time should I allow to visit an exhibition?

A visit to an exhibition usually takes between 1hr30 and 2 hours, depending on the size of the event and how long you want to spend there. Major retrospectives and special exhibitions in large museums, and immersive exhibitions may sometimes take longer due to high visitor numbers.

Which museums in Paris have temporary exhibitions?

Major museums like the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac,the major contemporary art venues in Paris such as fondation Louis Vuitton and the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain organise prestigious temporary exhibitions. The Bourse de Commerce - Collection Pinault, Musée Picasso, and city of Paris museums such as the Petit Palais, and musée Carnavalet - Histoire de Paris also present a rich programme of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

Photo trails, collections and galleries: where to see free exhibitions in Paris

Paris has a wealth of cultural attractions for everyone to enjoy, and you don't have to spend a fortune to discover art. The streets of Paris take on the appearance of open-air galleries, with high-quality exhibitions that are free to visit along the railings of the Luxembourg Gardens and Paris City Hall or in Bercy Village which regularly shows photographs in large-scale format. Some Parisian museums such as the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, and the Petit Palais offer free admission to their permanent collections, and many contemporary art galleries also offer free admission to exhibitions in the Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés...

More ideas