11 must-see exhibitions in Paris in May 2026

May 2026 promises to be rich in cultural events. Between public holidays and the return of fine weather, it’s the ideal time to enjoy exhibitions in Paris in May. Painting, photography, comics or contemporary art: the capital offers a varied program that will appeal to all audiences.

Henri Rousseau at the Musée de l’Orangerie: much more than the Douanier

Henri Rousseau is often reduced to the figure of the “Douanier”. Yet his work conceals an unsuspected wealth. The Musée de l’Orangerie highlights this diversity with a unique retrospective, bringing together paintings mainly from the collections of Paul Guillaume, a fervent supporter of the painter.

More than 115 years after his death, this exhibition allows us to rediscover an artist who is still making his mark on art history. It takes place at the Jardin des Tuileries, in the 1st arrondissement, and remains on view until July 20, 2026. Among the exhibitions in Paris in May, this one is a must-see for painting enthusiasts.

Leonora Carrington: surrealism for women

A major figure of Surrealism, Leonora Carrington remains too little known in France. The Musée du Luxembourg is devoting its first complete retrospective to her in France. From room to room, we discover a fascinating universe, populated by powerful female characters and fantastic creatures.

“An outer and inner journey that will leave absolutely no one indifferent.”

The artist tackles resolutely modern themes: migration, maternity, religion. The exhibition runs at 19, rue de Vaugirard (6e), until July 19, 2026. It offers a rare plunge into the imagination of a creator long in the shadows.

Comics, photography and contemporary art: the diversity of exhibitions in Paris in May

La Monnaie de Paris presents a playful and colorful exhibition based on the 9th art form. Entitled “CLING! Comics Speak Cash”, it explores the link between money and comics. It features Scrooge diving into his safe, the Daltons robbing a bank and Gaston Lagaffe declaring war on parking meters.

The institution retraces more than two centuries of creation through 250 works from public and private collections. This retrospective will be held at 11, quai de Conti (6e), until September 6, 2026. It will delight nostalgic and new readers alike.

• Henri Rousseau at the Musée de l’Orangerie – until July 20, 2026
• Leonora Carrington at the Musée du Luxembourg – until July 19, 2026
• CLING! Comics speak cash at La Monnaie de Paris – until September 6, 2026
• Kazuo Kitai at the Maison de la culture du Japon – until July 25, 2026
• Hilma af Klint at the Grand Palais – May 6 to August 30, 2026

On the photography front, the Maison de la culture du Japon in Paris presents Kazuo Kitai. Little-known in Europe, this master of Japanese photography is the subject of a major retrospective. Over 130 prints trace his development since the 60s. The exhibition runs at 101bis, quai Jacques-Chirac (15th arrondissement), until July 25, 2026.

Diego Marcon transforms Lafayette Anticipations

For his first solo show in Paris, Italian artist Diego Marcon takes over Lafayette Anticipations. He transformed the venue into a hybrid cinema, combining the codes of Italian Renaissance theater with the comfort of modern cinemas. On the program: 4 projections, each associated with a specific emotion and genre.

Whether grotesque, violent or comic, each scene questions the norms and taboos of human relationships. This singular installation is on show at 9, rue du Plâtre (4e), until July 19, 2026. It is one of the most daring exhibitions in Paris in May.

Korean treasures, abstract art and birds of paradise

The Musée Guimet is devoting an exhibition to the kingdom of Silla, one of the most brilliant civilizations in East Asia. The exhibition takes a chronological look at the history of this state, which was founded in 57 BC and disappeared in 935. Some national treasures will be leaving Korea for the first time on this occasion.

Entitled “Silla: Gold and the Sacred. Royal Treasures of Korea”, this exhibition will run from May 20 to August 31, 2026 at 6, place d’Iéna (16th arrondissement). It offers a unique journey blending political, religious and aesthetic dynamics. A must-see for Asian history buffs.

At the Grand Palais, Hilma af Klint finally enjoys her first retrospective in France. A pioneer of abstract art, this Swedish artist experimented relentlessly throughout her career. The exhibition combines gigantic canvases and secret works, vibrant colors and mysterious symbols. It questions the often downplayed role of women in the history of art.

This retrospective runs from May 6 to August 30, 2026 at 13, avenue du Général-Eisenhower (8th arrondissement). It is one of the must-see exhibitions in Paris in May. The Musée du Quai Branly, meanwhile, presents “Plumes du Paradis”, an exhibition featuring over 190 works on birds of paradise.

Pokémon and Danish bricks: exhibitions for the whole family

The Musée en Herbe celebrates 30 years of Pokémon with an exhibition designed as a treasure hunt. Since the birth of the saga in 1996, cards and video games have rubbed shoulders with the works that inspired creator Satoshi Tajiri. This unexpected dialogue will delight young and old alike, at 23, rue de l’Arbre Sec (1er), until September 6, 2026.

At Espace Champerret, “Bricks of Wonder” showcases over 150 spectacular works made from Danish building bricks. Artist Dirk Denoyelle presents never-before-seen creations paying homage to symbols of world culture. A construction room awaits visitors at the end of the tour.

Finally, Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac in Pantin welcomes Anselm Kiefer’s “Nymphäum”. Here, the 81-year-old artist abandons his usual themes to tackle ancient mythology. His spectacularly large canvases, covered in gold thread, depict landscapes populated by nymphs. Admission is free until October 25, 2026. These exhibitions in Paris in May promise to be a great time to share with family and friends.

• exhibitions in Paris in May