Versace, Dior, Alaïa: the must-see fashion exhibitions in Paris and Île-de-France in 2026
Paris and fashion share an endless love story, and the 2026 exhibition lineup is its most dazzling proof yet. From museums to galleries, the capital is offering a rich programme spanning legendary retrospectives and fresh perspectives on clothing. This guide rounds up the must-see events happening now and in the weeks ahead, across Paris and Île-de-France.
The great names of couture celebrated in Paris’s museums
The Musée Maillol is hosting “Gianni Versace Rétrospective” from 5 June to 31 October 2026. Unapologetically baroque and gloriously print-heavy, the retrospective pays tribute to the Italian designer’s extravagance. Colour and glamour are very much on the menu for this Parisian summer.
Meanwhile, the Galerie Dior is unveiling a retrospective journey from 10 June 2026. Nearly 150 looks, sketches and archival pieces trace the allure of a House from Christian Dior to Jonathan Anderson, a journey through decades of style from one of fashion’s most iconic names.
The Fondation Azzedine Alaïa, for its part, is presenting an exhibition from 7 July 2026 to 4 January 2027 devoted to the deep ties between the couturier and Africa. Around fifty creations and never-before-seen photographs by Peter Beard make up this intimate and powerful show.
Free events open to all
To mark Haute Couture Fashion Week, the Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg is exhibiting, free of charge, several creations worn by international stars, until 6 October 2026. Feathers, crystals and spectacular silhouettes are all on display, with no entry fee. It’s a wonderful way to get close to haute couture without any fuss.
“Let yourself be inspired by all this beauty and these innovative lines imagined by so many brilliant couturiers.”
La Galerie Rouge, meanwhile, invites visitors to discover the work of two American fashion photographers in a free exhibition running from 29 May to 19 September 2026. The Institut suédois will also be presenting, from 2 September 2026, a free group exhibition blending art and fashion, running until 4 October 2026.
A journey through clothing, from the Middle Ages to royal Thailand
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is hosting “La mode en majesté” from 13 May to 1 November 2026. More than one hundred garments from the Thai royal family’s collections trace Queen Sirikit’s modernisation of ceremonial dress, notably through her collaboration with Pierre Balmain and the House of Lesage. The result is as culturally rich as it is visually striking.
- Musée Maillol: “Gianni Versace Rétrospective”, 5 June to 31 October 2026
- Fondation Azzedine Alaïa: exhibition on the couturier’s ties to Africa, 7 July 2026 to 4 January 2027
- Musée des Arts Décoratifs: “La mode en majesté”, 13 May to 1 November 2026
- Tour Jean Sans Peur: “La Mode au Moyen Âge”, until 7 March 2027
- Palais Galliera: “Tisser, broder, sublimer”, 13 December 2025 to 18 October 2026
At the Tour Jean Sans Peur, the last surviving remnant of the Parisian palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, the Middle Ages come to life through medieval dress, its silhouettes, accessories and social codes, until 7 March 2027. A rich programme of events accompanies this original journey. The approach here is historical and educational, a world away from the usual sequins.
The Château de Fontainebleau, as part of the Festival de l’Histoire de l’Art, is presenting stage costumes by Christian Lacroix inspired by Marie-Antoinette, from 5 June to 2 November 2026. The Musée de la Toile de Jouy, meanwhile, pays tribute to Amédée Couder, a 19th-century textile designer, from 19 June 2026 to 10 January 2027.
The Palais Galliera and Musée Cognacq-Jay: essential stops for fashion lovers
The Palais Galliera explores the craftsmanship behind fashion through an exhibition on ornamentation techniques, from embroidery to weaving, running from 13 December 2025 to 18 October 2026. From 12 December 2026, the same museum will present “En volume!”, dedicated to the tailoring techniques that give clothes their shape, running until 17 October 2027.
The Musée Cognacq-Jay, for its part, examines the codes of femininity in the 18th century with “Révéler le féminin, mode et apparences au 18e siècle”, on show from 25 March to 20 September 2026. Costume history enthusiasts will find it a richly documented and illuminating experience.
Exhibitions coming this autumn 2026
The new season looks packed for fashion lovers. The Musée des Arts Décoratifs will welcome Rafael Pavarotti Photographe from 23 September 2026 to 7 February 2027, with more than 200 colour prints marking the first major retrospective in France of the Brazilian photographer’s career. Fashion photography takes on a whole new dimension in this heritage setting.
At the Palais Galliera, “Un vestiaire à soi. Féminités dissidentes au 19e siècle” will bring together more than 350 works from 26 September 2026 to 14 February 2027. These pieces tell the story of 19th-century women who claimed masculine dress as their own, making clothing a tool for emancipation and the reshaping of identity.
The Maison Européenne de la Photographie will host Irving Penn with PENN & FASHION, from 30 September 2026 to 17 January 2027. Over sixty years of images show how his eye upended the codes of fashion photography, from Dior and Balenciaga to Issey Miyake, Chanel and John Galliano. The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is also celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Musée des Arts de la Mode with “Look, 40 ans de mode au musée”, where 40 iconic silhouettes parade through the nave alongside sketches, patterns and embroideries.
