This summer, the Grand Palais becomes Paris’ largest free open-air stage for three months
This summer, a Parisian landmark is gearing up for an extraordinary season. From June 2 to September 6, 2026, the Grand Palais opens its doors for a season that combines live entertainment, contemporary art and night-time festivities, all free of charge and open to all.
The Nave transformed into an open-air stage
From June 2, 2026, the monument’s Nave will be transformed into an immense performance space for the second edition of the Grand Palais d’été. Theater, dance, concerts and performances will follow one another for almost three months. French and international artists reinvent their shows especially for this unique venue in the heart of Paris.
Every evening, the magic continues with the Ciels light show by Visual System. This monumental, immersive visual creation plays with the structure of the glass roof, colors and light intensity. What’s more, after certain shows, the After Nave evenings evenings take over under the glass roof.
These evenings feature concerts, DJ sets and musical “cartes blanches” in a festive atmosphere. But they don’t replace the shows: they extend them, offering a complete experience from evening to night.
“For two months, the monument becomes a space for collective experiences, discoveries and great celebrations.”
Mediterranean Night on July 4
This 2026 edition is also part of the Mediterranean Season. On Saturday July 4, the Grand Palais Méditerranée opens its doors to the public for an exceptional evening. An artistic parade by Mohamed Bourouissa kicks off the festivities.
After that, the sets continue with El Besta, Aïta mon amour and Acid Arab, until 2am. The night echoes the open and popular spirit of the event.
- Second edition of the Grand Palais d’été, from June 2 to September 6, 2026
- Ciels light show by the Visual System collective every evening on the glass roof
- After Nave evenings with concerts and DJ sets after certain shows
- Nuit Grand Palais Méditerranée on July 4 with Mohamed Bourouissa, El Besta, Aïta mon amour and Acid Arab
- Free dance workshops in the Nave on Saturday mornings
Leandro Erlich and must-see exhibitions
From June 2 to September 6, 2026, a retrospective devoted to Leandro Erlich takes up residence in the monument. This Argentinian artist is renowned for his installations that challenge our perception of space. For lovers of contemporary art, this is an event not to be missed.
Access to many events remains entirely free. In this way, everyone can enjoy this dense program without financial constraints. This choice reflects our desire to open up this heritage site to as many people as possible.
In 2026, this accessibility will be further enhanced by a new feature. Free dance workshops are offered in the Nave on Saturday mornings. These workshops are led by the season’s guest choreographers and companies.
Dance workshops for all in the Nave
Each guest choreographer runs his or her own workshop, so the content evolves throughout the season. These sessions invite everyone to move in this extraordinary setting. As a result, the Nave also becomes a space for practice, not just contemplation.
For dance regulars and the curious alike, these moments offer a new way of experiencing the venue. This free, participatory access reinforces the festive, popular spirit of the entire season.
Practical information to prepare your visit
The summer Grand Palais is held at 17, avenue du Général-Eisenhower, Paris 8e. The program runs from June 2 to September 6, 2026– almost three months of non-stop festivities. What’s more, many events are free of charge, making it an ideal destination for all visitor profiles.
Whether you come for the shows, the After Nef evenings or the Saturday morning workshops, the program offers many opportunities to return. But one visit is not enough to see everything: each visit is a new experience. So it’s best to plan several visits over the course of the season.
For art lovers, the Leandro Erlich retrospective is yet another reason to push open the doors of the monument this summer. For night owls, the night of July 4 promises a memorable evening under the glass roof. In short, the summer of 2026 in Paris will be spent at this address.
