Michelangelo: an exhibition at the Beaux-Arts de Paris explores the master’s legacy in 2026

In the heart of Paris, an exceptional exhibition explores the legacy of a Renaissance genius. Until July 6, 2026, the Beaux-Arts de Paris will host “After Michelangelo“, a fascinating exhibition revealing the master’s lasting influence on five centuries of artistic creation. This retrospective brings together rare works from prestigious collections.

A new exhibition at the Beaux-Arts de Paris

The event takes place in the Palais des Beaux-Arts, located at 14 rue Bonaparte in the 6th arrondissement. Visitors can admire the exhibition from Tuesday to Sunday, from 1pm to 7pm. This means that visitors can organize their visit to suit their own schedule.

Admission is 8 euros full price and 6 euros concessions. Admission is also free for under-18s and students. This pricing policy enables as many people as possible to discover these masterpieces.

The exhibition is curated by Emmanuelle Brugerolles and Étienne Music. These experts have carefully selected major pieces from the Beaux-Arts de Paris collection. As a result, the exhibition is remarkably coherent between the different sections.

“Michelangelo’s influence on the artists of the following centuries extends far beyond his own era, permeating the entire history of Western art.

A dialogue between artistic eras

The exhibition features drawings, prints, sculptures and photographs. These works illustrate how artists have studied and reinterpreted the work of the Florentine master. On the other hand, each creator has developed his or her own vision while drawing inspiration from this model.

Among the artists exhibited are such prestigious names as Théodore Géricault and Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux. These French masters drew on the work of Italian genius to nourish their own practice. As a result, their work bears witness to a deep admiration mingled with a desire for innovation.

• Study drawings after the master’s major works
• Prints reproducing his famous compositions
• Sculptures inspired by his powerful style
• Photographs documenting his creations
• Original works in dialogue with its heritage

Michelangelo’s artistic legacy through the centuries

The tour reveals how this Renaissance artist transformed the representation of the human body. His mastery of anatomy and his ability to express emotions have fascinated entire generations. Today, his influence can be seen in museums the world over.

Art academies have long used his works as learning models. Students copied his drawings to understand proportions and movement. This pedagogical tradition continues to this day in some schools.

The exhibition highlights copies made by residents of the Académie de France in Rome. These artists stayed at the Villa Medici to complete their training. However, their work was not limited to slavish imitation of the master.

Each era has interpreted the work of David’s sculptor differently. The Romantics saw it as an expression of the sublime and of creative power. Modern artists retained his formal freedom and technical daring.

Rare works from Parisian collections

The Beaux-Arts de Paris collection comprises over 450,000 works of art acquired since 1816. This exceptional collection documents artistic education in France. As a result, the exhibition draws on an extremely rich heritage.

Some of the pieces on display rarely leave the museum’s reserves. Their fragility imposes strict conservation conditions. This presentation offers a rare opportunity to admire them.

Practical information for visiting the Michelangelo exhibition

The Palais des Beaux-Arts is just a few steps from the Saint-Germain-des-Prés metro station. It’s easy to reach by public transport from anywhere in the capital. What’s more, several bus lines serve this popular district.

The average visit lasts aroundan hour and a half. This is enough time to fully appreciate each section of the tour. On the other hand, enthusiastic amateurs can extend their discovery without limit.

The exhibition offers guided tours for groups, by prior arrangement. These tours enrich the understanding of the works presented. They shed light on the links between the various artists and the Renaissance master.

Families with children are catered for with educational aids. These tools make Michelangelo ‘s legacy accessible to the youngest visitors. This approach encourages artistic awareness from an early age.

• Michelangelo