From the Pont Neuf transformed into an urban grotto to the Calder retrospective: the Paris exhibitions that will define 2026
The 2026 cultural season promises to be particularly rich for all art lovers. This year’s exhibitions in Paris offer an unprecedented range of experiences, from major retrospectives to immersive installations, in iconic venues that are the envy of the world.
An exceptional cultural program at Parisian museums
Paris is buzzing with art right now. Major retrospectives and cultural events are taking place at leading institutions: the Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre, the Louis Vuitton Foundation, the Grand Palais, and the Musée de l’Orangerie.
So, fans of Impressionist painting can see Renoir and Love: The Joy of Modernity (1865–1885) at the Musée d’Orsay, from March 17 to July 19, 2026. In addition, the Grand Palais is simultaneously hosting two major retrospectives: Matisse. 1941-1954, from March 24 to July 26, 2026, and Hilma af Klint. The Temple Paintings , from May 6 to August 30, 2026.
In addition, the Louvre Museum is presenting Michelangelo Rodin. Living Bodies April 15 through July 20, 2026. This exhibition brings together two legendary sculptors in a unique dialogue across the centuries.
Iconic figures in the art world celebrated throughout the city
The Louis Vuitton Foundation is presenting a retrospective on Alexander Calder, titled Calder. Dreaming in Balance , from April 15 to August 16, 2026. No fewer than 300 works are on display, ranging from his iconic mobiles to his miniature circus.
For its part, the Musée de l’Orangerie is showcasing “Henri Rousseau: The Ambition of Painting” from March 25 to July 20, 2026. The Musée du Luxembourg, meanwhile, is presenting a retrospective dedicated to Leonora Carrington, the surrealist artist who painted her own feminine myths, from February 18 to July 19, 2026.
“La Caverne du Pont Neuf, a massive project conceived by French artist JR, transforms the Pont Neuf into a 120-meter-long urban cave. An immersive installation paying tribute to Christo and Jeanne-Claude, open to the public free of charge from June 15 to 28, 2026.”
The Top Must-See Events Among Paris’s Exhibitions in 2026
The diversity of themes explored this season is striking. Fashion, photography, comics, and street art are also among the most anticipated exhibitions in Paris right now.
Thus, the Palais Galliera presents 18th-Century Fashion: A Fantasized Legacy from March 14 to July 12, 2026, while the Cognacq-Jay Museum is presenting Revealing Femininity: Fashion and Appearance in the 18th Century through September 20, 2026. Meanwhile, the Maillol Museum is hosting the Gianni Versace Retrospective from June 5 to September 6, 2026.
The Grande Halle de La Villette will host “Beyond the Streets” in Paris from May 27 to August 31, 2026, a Parisian edition dedicated to graffiti and street art. In addition, the Cinémathèque Française is paying tribute to Marilyn Monroe to mark the 100th anniversary of her birth, from April 8 to July 26, 2026.
- Calder. Dreaming in Balance – Louis Vuitton Foundation, April 15–August 16, 2026
- Renoir and Love: The Joy of Modernity (1865–1885) – Musée d’Orsay, March 17–July 19, 2026
- Renaissance. da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo – Atelier des Lumières, since March 13, 2026
- Michelangelo Rodin. Living Bodies – Louvre Museum, April 15–July 20, 2026
- Beyond the Streets in Paris – Grande Halle de La Villette, May 27–August 31, 2026
Immersive, free exhibitions for every budget
L’Atelier des Lumières offers an immersive experience centered on the Renaissance. da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo since March 13, 2026. This digital format appeals to a very broad audience, from families to art history enthusiasts.
Fans of free outings aren’t left out either. The gates of the Luxembourg Gardens and City Hall host free-to-the-public photography exhibitions. At Bercy Village, large-format photographs are regularly on display. In addition, contemporary art galleries in the Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés open their doors to the public free of charge.
Practical Tips for Enjoying Parisian Exhibitions with Peace of Mind
To get the most out of your museum visits in Paris, booking your tickets online in advance is still the best approach. Some cultural venues require you to select specific time slots. Planning ahead allows you to avoid long lines and fully enjoy your visit.
Try to visit in the morning as soon as the museums open. Late-night hours are also a good option: the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris offer extended hours on certain evenings of the week.
For major retrospectives, plan on spending an average of 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the scale of the event and your own pace. Immersive exhibitions and very large retrospectives may require more time due to crowds.
Museums in the City of Paris, such as the Petit Palais and the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, offer free admission to their permanent collections. Similarly, the Bourse de Commerce—Pinault Collection, the Musée Carnavalet—Histoire de Paris, and the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac—all offer temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Be sure to check the complete 2026 exhibition calendar to plan a customized itinerary and book your tickets well in advance.
