Free exhibitions in Paris this winter: 20 not-to-be-missed cultural outings in the Île-de-France region

Looking for art this winter without breaking the bank? In Paris, many public and cultural venues open their doors without tickets. Here’s a clear guide to planning free outings, in the warmth and with flexible opening hours, between two exhibitions in Paris this winter or other cultural escapades.

City of Paris museums: free winter outings

The 14 museums managed by Paris Musées offer year-round access to the permanent collections. The Petit Palais, Musée d’Art Moderne and Musée Carnavalet are excellent starting points. In addition, the Musée Cernuschi, Musée Zadkine and Musée Bourdelle offer free access to major works of art. There is often a charge for temporary exhibitions, but this is clearly indicated at the entrance, as is the case for major artistic events such as Tea Time haute couture at Dior.

This season, opt for the homes of artists and writers, which are often quiet during the week. The Maison de Victor Hugo, the Maison de la Vie Romantique and the Musée Cognacq-Jay offer ideal settings, as well as a family welcome. As a result, you can vary the themes on the same day, from literature, painting and fashion culture to luxury winter dresses at low prices. These stages complement many other free indoor outings.

Exhibitions at Hôtel de Ville and town halls: free outings to look out for

TheHôtel de Ville regularly organizes freeexhibitions, sometimes subject to reservation and attendance control. What’s more, several arrondissement town halls feature short exhibitions, often dedicated to photography or heritage. These formats are very practical, as the duration of the visit remains reasonable. In this way, you can add free express outings between two appointments, before heading off to discover a ski resort in Savoie for a weekend or a mountain getaway, for example.

“This winter, the capital offers many opportunities to visit museums without paying admission.

Archives and many municipal libraries also offer free-access tours. However, check for reduced opening hours during the vacations. Nevertheless, these places are happy to welcome families on rainy days. So you can keep your program flexible and economical, and complement it with gourmet outings like theMandarin Oriental Lutetia’s Christmas Afternoon Tea.

Open-access foundations and cultural centers: free, warm outings

This winter, several foreign cultural centers are maintaining their policy offree access to their galleries. The Korean Cultural Centre and theSwedish Institute, for example, often feature contemporary art. In addition, theEspace Fondation EDF regularly offers free projects on current themes. These ideas are the perfect complement to your free day out.

• 14 municipal museums with free permanent collections
• Exhibitions atHôtel de Ville often open to the public
• Foreign cultural centers with free galleries
• Private art galleries open without a ticket
• Outdoor photo trails with free access

Private art galleries are still a good idea when budgets are tight. For example, the Galerie des Galeries in a department store offers cutting-edge projects free of charge. Other spaces around the Marais, Saint-Germain or Belleville are very affordable. These addresses fit in well with a series of free afternoon outings.

For a visual stroll, open-air photo trails remain effective. At Bercy Village or on the gates of major gardens,free access avoids queues. You can also combine these stops with a visit to a free museum nearby. This makes for a very comfortable pace, even with children.

Ticket-free photography and design: targeted free outings

Photography often occupies the halls of public institutions and civic centers. For example, some town halls and cultural centers program short, renewed exhibitions. In addition, art schools and associations show recent works with free access. These brief formats provide practical free outings between two activities.

On the design and architecture side, promotional areas host seasonal projects. Then, studio open days provide an opportunity to meet designers face-to-face. In short, these events provide a lively overview of the emerging scene. You’ll leave with precise reference points, and ideas for future visits.

Practical tips for successful free outings this winter

Check the day’s information before you leave, especially during vacation periods. Some free exhibitions, for example, require you to book in advance, especially at weekends. So anticipate any waiting times at checkpoints. A light bag also makes security passages easier.

Don’t forget the early-morning slots for a more leisurely visit. In addition, take a look at the family facilities and any printable game books. However, an audioguide (for a fee) can enhance your visit if required. This option can be adapted to suit your budget.

Tailor your routes by neighborhood to reduce transportation. And don’t forget to plan a warm stop in between, especially in the coldest weather. In a nutshell, a map showing where you can go for free makes the day easier. The habits acquired this winter will be useful for other free outings throughout the year.

• free outings