Matisse at the Grand Palais: over 200 works to be exhibited in Paris from spring 2025

This spring, the French capital celebrates one of the greatest masters of modern art. Matisse at the Grand Palais is the cultural event of the season. Nearly 200 works by the French painter take over this legendary venue for an exceptional exhibition.

A major retrospective devoted to the master’s last years

The exhibition focuses on a specific period: 1941 to 1954. These thirteen years correspond to an intense creative phase for Henri Matisse. Yet this period is often overlooked by the general public.

During this period, the artist worked from Nice, in the south of France. It was here that he developed some of his most audacious works. It was also during these years that he perfected his cut-out gouache technique.

Matisse at the Grand Palais offers a fresh perspective on this prolific late career. Visitors will be able to understand the painter’s artistic evolution. As a result, this exhibition fills a gap in our knowledge of his work.

“Color above all, perhaps even more than drawing, is a liberation.”

A variety of techniques for a complete overview

The exhibition features a wide variety of artistic media. There are paintings, drawings and cut-out gouaches. Illustrated books complete this rich and varied journey.

Textiles designed by Matisse are showcased in several rooms. Stained-glass windows, on the other hand, occupy a special place in the exhibition. These pieces testify to the painter’s ability to constantly renew his art.

• Paintings and oils on canvas from the Nice period
• Preparatory drawings and unpublished sketches
• Famous cut-out gouaches in vivid colors
• Artist’s books and illustrated works
• Stained glass and monumental textile creations

An itinerary designed for all audiences in the heart of Paris

The Grand Palais hosts this retrospective in its renovated rooms. The rooms allow for fluid circulation between works. Visitors can take their time to observe the details.

Matisse at the Grand Palais will appeal to art lovers and neophytes alike. The explanatory labels remain accessible and clear. From now on, understanding modern art becomes easier thanks to this type of mediation.

Families will appreciate the diversity of formats presented. Children are often captivated by the bright colors of the gouaches. Workshops and guided tours complete the cultural offer.

The venue itself adds a special dimension to the experience. The natural light of the Grand Palais sublimates the colors chosen by Matisse. This harmony between work and space creates a unique atmosphere.

The gouache cut-outs: a peak of late creativity

Henri Matisse invented this technique in the 1940s. Restricted by illness, he could no longer paint standing up. So he turned this constraint into an artistic opportunity.

He would cut out shapes from paper previously painted with gouache. He would then assemble these pieces to create compositions. This method gave him a new freedom in his work.

Matisse at the Grand Palais highlights these late creations in particular. Visitors can admire rarely exhibited pieces. In short, it’s a rare opportunity to see these masterpieces up close.

Practical information for visiting this eventful exhibition

The exhibition is held at the Grand Palais, avenue Winston Churchill, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. Opening times vary according to the day of the week. It is therefore advisable to check before travelling.

Online booking is still highly recommended to avoid waiting times. Morning slots are generally quieter. Similarly, weekdays are less busy than weekends.

Matisse at the Grand Palais offers special rates for all visitors. Discounts are available for young people under 26. Disabled visitors have access to special facilities.

Metro lines 1 and 13 serve the area via the Champs-Élysées Clemenceau stations. Underground parking lots are available nearby. Finally, several bus routes stop in front of the building. Matisse at the Grand Palais is a cultural outing accessible to all Parisians and visitors alike.

• Matisse at the Grand Palais