10 Expositions You Can’t Miss in Paris in 2026
Paris never stops reinventing itself, and 2026 promises to be an inspiring cultural season. From major retrospectives to immersive and family-friendly exhibitions, the city invites visitors to explore art, fashion, photography, music, literature, and much more through meaningful experiences.
Whether you’re discovering Paris for the first time or returning to the city with fresh curiosity, the exhibitions described below offer unforgettable moments of beauty, imagination, and reflection in Paris and the surrounding areas.
10 Expositions You Can’t Miss in Paris in 2026
Art Exhibitions
Between its many specialized museums and exhibits, Paris has no shortage of works of art. These art exhibitions invite visitors to slow down, observe closely, and travel through worlds shaped by color and symbolism.
Uncover Renoir’s stories of love at the Musée d’Orsay
Renoir and Love, presented at the Musée d’Orsay from March 17 to July 19, 2026, explores love as a central theme in Pierre Auguste Renoir’s work. Intimate domestic scenes, portraits, and lively depictions of social life reveal how affection and human connection shaped his art across decades. The exhibition is also accessible to families, with playful approaches such as an interactive scavenger hunt available for children.
Embrace the world of Leonora Carrington at the Musée du Luxembourg
Discover the works of Leonara Carrington, a notable artist, feminist, traveler, and environmentalist. On view at the Musée du Luxembourg from February 18 to July 19, 2026, this is the first exhibition that has focused exclusively on her work in Italy and France. Through paintings, drawings, and symbolic narratives, the exhibition combines surrealism, mythology, and esotericism.
Enjoy Matisse’s modern art at the Grand Palais
Matisse. 1941-1954, shown at the Grand Palais from March 24 to July 26, 2026, celebrates Henri Matisse’s late career and his bold use of color, form, and paper cut-outs. Paintings, drawings, and large-scale compositions from the Centre Pompidou collection and major international loans illustrate how Matisse continually reinvented modern art. This exposition also offers the opportunity of rediscovering the Grand Palais, which recently reopened after several years of renovation.
Photography Exhibitions
Photography has the power to document beauty, truth, and history in a single image. This section highlights an exhibition that moves between artistic experimentation and historical testimony
See Lee Miller’s history through photographs at the the Musée d’Art Moderne
Lee Miller Retrospective, presented at the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris from April 10 to August 2, 2026, is organized in collaboration with Tate Modern and the Art Institute of Chicago. It retraces the full trajectory of Lee Miller’s career, from fashion photography and surrealist collaborations to portraits, landscapes, and her World War II reportage. The exhibition culminates with her 1945 photographs revealing the horrors of Nazi concentration camps, underscoring her artistic and historical importance.
Fashion & Decorative Arts Exhibitions
Paris is synonymous with elegance and decorative refinement. These exhibitions invite visitors to admire fashion, textiles, and interiors as expressions of creativity and savoir-faire across centuries.
Step into the world of Christian Lacroix at the Château de Fontainebleau
Marie-Antoinette : de l’avant-garde à l’avant-scène (Marie-Antoinette: from the avant-garde to the avant-scène), presented at the Château de Fontainebleau from June 5 to October 17, 2026, showcases theatrical and historically inspired costumes created by Christian Lacroix. Displayed within the château’s Renaissance and Napoleonic interiors, the garments create a rich dialogue between contemporary fashion and historic decor. Paired with a tour of the Château de Fontainebleau, this is an ideal cultural day trip from Paris.
Experience textile craftsmanship at the Palais Galliera
Tisser, broder, sublimer (Weaving, embroidering, embellishing), on view at the Palais Galliera until October 18, 2026, is dedicated to textile craftsmanship. Focusing on weaving, embroidery, and ornamentation on textiles, it showcases exceptional garments and refined details that reveal the technical mastery behind fashion across centuries. This exhibition is a celebration of clothing as both art and savoir-faire.
Travel back to a day in the 18th century at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs
A day in the eighteenth century: chronicle of a Parisian townhouse, presented at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in the 1st arrondissement from February 18 to July 5, 2026, offers an immersive reconstruction of daily life in a Parisian hôtel particulier in the 1780s. Wood paneling and wallpaper, furniture, ceramics, silverware, clothing, and fashion accessories bring the era to life. Designed with families in mind, the exhibition includes guided visits and workshops encouraging hands-on exploration.
Music & Pop Culture Exhibitions
Images, sound, and play are central to modern culture. These exhibitions celebrate icons and creative universes that have shaped collective imagination in the worlds of cinema, video games, and music.
Learn about the life of Marilyn Monroe at the Cinémathèque Française
Marilyn Monroe 100 Years, presented at the Cinémathèque Française from April 8 to July 26, 2026, celebrates the life and screen presence of the legendary actress during the year of the 100th anniversary of her birth. Film extracts, memorabilia, and archival material explore both the myth and the woman, highlighting her lasting influence on cinema and celebrity culture.
Immerse yourself in video game soundtracks at the Philharmonie de Paris
Video Games and Music, running at the Philharmonie de Paris from April 2 to November 1, 2026, explores the evolution of video game soundtracks and the connection between music and video games. Covering everything from the 8-bit era to symphonic orchestras, the exhibition combines listening stations, visual installations, and playful experiences, making it particularly engaging for families and teens.
Literature & Interiors Expositions
Some exhibitions invite visitors to step inside a different world. This section explores how literature, imagination, and interior design intersect in a deeply personal way to Victor Hugo.
Discover how literature impacts space at the Maison de Victor Hugo
Hugo Décorateur, presented at the Maison de Victor Hugo until April 26, 2026, highlights the writer’s lesser-known work as a decorator and interior designer. Through furniture, drawings, and reconstructed spaces, it shows how Victor Hugo’s literary imagination translated into bold, poetic interiors reflecting his artistic spirit.
Where to Stay in France
Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris
Located just steps from Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the five-star Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris is one of the city’s most art-focused luxury hotels. The palace blends contemporary design with a strong cultural identity, featuring an in-house art gallery, private cinema, and curated art collections throughout the property. A dedicated concierge is available to suggest exhibitions, live music, and theater performances during your stay, making the hotel an ideal base for travelers seeking a deeply cultural Parisian experience.
Hôtel d’Orsay
Set directly beside the Musée d’Orsay, this elegant four-star boutique hotel offers an exceptional location on the Left Bank, overlooking the Seine and within walking distance of many of Paris’ major museums. Housed in a classic Parisian building, Hôtel d’Orsay combines refined interiors with a quiet, residential atmosphere. Its proximity to cultural landmarks makes it a perfect choice for art lovers wishing to experience Paris at a relaxed pace, just moments from world-class exhibitions.
In 2026, Paris offers far more than a series of museum visits. The city invites travelers to experience culture through emotion, craftsmanship, sound, and storytelling. Whether traveling with family, seeking artistic inspiration, or simply enjoying the pleasure of discovery, these exhibitions remind us why Paris remains a place where culture is truly lived.
Ready to experience the countless museums and exhibitions in the City of Lights? You may also be interested in A Historical and Cultural Escape to Paris or Paris in Style: A Luxury Escape of Art, History & Taste
Our travel specialists are also available to craft personalized itineraries inspired by your passions for art, history, design, and more. Click below to start shaping your cultural journey through France in 2026.