Leonora Carrington: the surrealist exhibition at the Musée du Luxembourg in 2025

Until July 13, 2025, the Musée du Luxembourg is devoting a major retrospective to Leonora Carrington. This British artist, an emblematic figure of Surrealism, unveils her world of fantastic creatures. It’s a rare opportunity to contemplate so many works in a single Parisian venue.

A surrealist artist finally celebrated in Paris

Leonora Carrington remains unknown to the French public. Yet her artistic career has fascinated art lovers for decades. Born in England in 1917, she spanned the twentieth century, creating tirelessly.

Her personal story is intertwined with that of the great names of the Surrealist movement. She rubbed shoulders with Max Ernst, André Breton and many others. Her work is thus part of a pivotal period in thehistory of modern art.

The Musée du Luxembourg is now giving it a well-deserved boost. The exhibition brings together paintings, sculptures and tapestries from all over the world. What’s more, some pieces have never before been shown in France.

“Leonora Carrington has created a world where dream and reality are one, populated by hybrid figures and mysterious symbols.”

A journey through magic and mythology

The exhibition invites visitors to explore the artist’s abundant imagination. Each room features a different theme. As a result, visitors can see how his work has evolved over the years.

Celtic and Mexican influences intersect in his paintings. Carrington lived in Mexico from 1942 onwards and drew deep inspiration from it. On the other hand, she never forgot her Irish roots and their folklore.

• Over 100 works presented on 800 m² of exhibition space
• Exceptional loans from international museums
• A scenography designed for all audiences
• Rare works never before exhibited in France
• An audioguide is available for more in-depth tours

Works that leave their mark

Among the major pieces, several paintings stand out. “The Giantess” impresses with its size and evocative power. This monumental canvas illustrates Carrington’s talent for creating imposing figures.

The bronze sculptures are also worth a visit. They represent hybrid beings, half-human, half-animal. They also bear witness to the artist’s fascination with metamorphosis.

The tapestries exhibited at the Musée du Luxembourg reveal another facet of his work. These lesser-known textile pieces display a striking chromatic richness. They were made in Mexico with local craftsmen.

The preparatory drawings offer an intimate look at his method. They reveal the genesis of his visions. The public can now understand how his complex compositions came into being.

An exhibition accessible to all

The Musée du Luxembourg offers tours to suit every profile. Family tours introduce children to surrealism. Mediators are on hand to answer visitors’ questions.

The audioguide enhances the visit with detailed commentary. It is available in several languages. So foreign visitors can fully enjoy the experience.

The bookshop-boutique offers catalogs and reproductions. These souvenirs extend the encounter with Carrington’s work. In short, everyone can take away a piece of this dreamlike world.

Practical information for your visit

The Musée du Luxembourg is located at 19 rue de Vaugirard, in the 6th arrondissement. It’s easy to reach by public transport. The nearest metro station is Saint-Sulpice, on line 4.

Opening hours are from 10.30 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. On Mondays, the museum stays open until 10pm for late-night shows. Active visitors can therefore visit after work.

The full price is 16 euros. Discounts are available for young people and the unemployed. Online booking is still recommended, especially at weekends.

This retrospective at the Musée du Luxembourg is one of the major cultural events of the year. It reveals the extent of Leonora Carrington’s talent. The artist emerges as a free, inventive and deeply singular creator.

• musée du luxembourg