What if you could travel back in time without leaving the capital? You don't need a DeLorean or any other time machine straight out of an H.G. Wells novel to do this: the museums of Paris and its suburbs do the job very well, and many of them have great historical exhibitions to tell you all about the various eras of the past.
Whether it's thehistory of France or of other countries around the world, there's something for every taste and desire... And for all ages! Take a trip to the Musée de l'Armée, for example, to learn all about the history of wars in France and around the world. Or head to the Musée Guimet or the Musée Cernuschi, to immerse yourself in Asian history and culture. You could also opt for the Musée de la Libération de Paris, or the Musée de la Grande Guerre de Meaux, to learn more about the history of the First and Second World Wars... In short, it's the perfect place to learn all about history!
Please note that this guide is updated regularly as we make new discoveries and announcements, so be sure to keep this page handy so you don't miss out on any of the great historical exhibitions to come in Paris and the Île-de-France region! Mark your calendars!
"Rêveries de pierres" at the École des Arts Joailliers: an exhibition of a precious collection of stones
Sponsored - Are you in search of a truly original, poetic, and deeply mesmerizing exhibition? From November 6, 2025, to March 29, 2026, the École des Arts Joailliers, in partnership with the Muséum national d’histoire naturelle, invites you to explore "Dreams of Stones: Poetry and Minerals of Roger Caillois," right in the heart of Paris’s 9th arrondissement. This event offers a rare opportunity to marvel at 200 extraordinary minerals, accompanied by never-before-seen texts from one of the most distinctive thinkers of the 20th century. Additionally, entry is free with prior reservation (link below). [Read more]
Treasures of the Al Thani Collection, the exhibition at Hôtel de la Marine
The Centre des Monuments nationaux and the Al Thani Collection Foundation unveil the new galleries dedicated to the exhibition of Prince Qatar's works. As of November 18, 2021, come and discover the first temporary exhibition entitled "Treasures from the Al Thani Collection". [Read more]
Dans la Seine: the exhibition at the Crypte archéologique reveals the objects found in the Seine
The Crypte Archéologique presents an exhibition that's as curious as it is amusing, revealing objects found in the Seine, from prehistory to the present day. Visit this unique exhibition from January 31, 2024, to January 4, 2026. [Read more]
Three centuries at l'Isle Adam: the extended exhibition at the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire Louis Senlecq
The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire Louis-Senlecq invites you to discover the history of L'Isle-Adam, in the Val-d'Oise, through an exhibition that takes you on a journey through time and the region's natural landscapes, from October 20, 2024 to September 28, 2025, and from October 12, 2025 to March 6, 2026. [Read more]
Hygiene in the Middle Ages: the historical exhibition extended at the Tour Jean Sans Peur
The Tour Jean Sans Peur debunks preconceived notions with its exhibition "Hygiene in the Middle Ages," on display from March 12 to January 25, 2026. [Read more]
The mystery of Cleopatra: the exhibition on the famous Egyptian queen at the IMA
She's a mythical figure of ancient history: discover the secrets of Cleopatra, the inimitable Queen of Egypt, with the exhibition "The Cleopatra Mystery", presented at the Institut du Monde Arabe from June 11, 2025 to January 11, 2026. [Read more]
The Masters of Fire: The National Museum of Archaeology’s Extended Historical Exhibit
The National Archaeological Museum takes us back to the Bronze Age to explore the "Masters of Fire" in an engaging educational exhibition running from June 13, 2025, to June 15, 2026. [Read more]
Trésors et coulisses du Château: an exhibition of secret works at the Domaine départemental de Sceaux
The Anciennes Écuries of the Domaine départemental de Sceaux will be hosting the "Trésors et coulisses du Château" exhibition from September 19, 2025 to March 22, 2026, an opportunity to admire works and objects that have long remained unknown and secret. [Read more]
Les mondes de Colette: the exhibition on the inspirational woman of letters at the BnF François-Mitterand
From September 23, 2025 to January 18, 2026, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, on the François-Mitterand site, celebrates a major figure in French literature, Colette, in an original and moving exhibition. [Read more]
19th-century Middle Ages: an exhibition on forgeries and copies at the Musée de Cluny
A journey through facsimiles, copies and forgeries... The Musée de Cluny invites you to discover the exhibition "Le Moyen Âge du 19e siècle. Creations, copies and forgeries in the precious arts", from October 7, 2025 to January 11, 2026. A fascinating journey to the heart of medieval precious arts and their reinterpretations in the 19th century, mixing authenticity, pastiches and forgeries. [Read more]
Les gens de Paris, 1926-1936: the historical exhibition at the Musée Carnavalet is unveiled
What if you could find your great-grandparents in the streets of Paris? The exhibition Les Gens de Paris 1926-1936 at the Musée Carnavalet delves into unpublished census records to reveal the Parisians of the interwar period. From October 8, 2025 to February 8, 2026. [Read more]
Robert Badinter, justice at heart: the moving and historic exhibition at the Panthéon
From October 11, 2025 to March 8, 2026, the crypt of the Panthéon will host the exhibition "Robert Badinter, la justice au cœur", retracing his struggles and inspirations, on the occasion of his entry into the monument. [Read more]
Le Grand Dauphin, fils de roi, père de roi et jamais roi: the exhibition at the Château de Versailles
Prince Louis de France, known as Monseigneur or the Grand Dauphin, was the eldest son of Louis XIV, yet he never acceded to the throne. The Château de Versailles revisits his shattered destiny in a grandiose exhibition opening on October 14, 2025. [Read more]
Benin, back and forth: the exhibition at the Musée Albert-Kahn
The Musée départemental Albert-Kahn, Boulogne-Billancourt, invites you to discover the exhibition "Bénin, aller-retour", from October 14, 2025 to June 14, 2026. An immersive dive into the heart of historic Dahomey, featuring rare photographs, ethnographic films and the work of contemporary artists. [Read more]
Le Palais Garnier, 150 ans d'un théâtre mythique: the historical exhibition at the library-museum
In 2025, the Palais Garnier celebrates its 150th anniversary with a major exhibition organized by BnF and the Paris Opera. It's an opportunity to rediscover this mythical venue, where artistic creation meets captivating legends. [Read more]
Forgeries and counterfeiters, from the Middle Ages to the present day: the free exhibition at the National Archives
Can you tell the real from the fake? From October 15, 2025 to February 2, 2026, the National Archives and the Banque de France will be testing your critical thinking skills in their new exhibition on famous forgeries from history. [Read more]
Jacques-Louis David at the Louvre: the must-see exhibition on the neoclassical painter
To mark the 200th anniversary of Jacques-Louis David's death, the Musée du Louvre is staging an exceptional exhibition, Jacques-Louis David, from October 15, 2025 to January 26, 2026. A plunge into the world of the great neoclassical painter, between art, politics and modernity. [Read more]
A hundred years of Art Deco at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, anniversary exhibition from 1925 to 2025 in pictures
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris is celebrating the centenary of Art Deco with an exceptional exhibition from October 22, 2025, to April 26, 2026: '1925-2025. One Hundred Years of Art Deco'. Nearly 1,000 works showcasing the timeless elegance of this style, accompanied by a spectacular reconstruction of the Orient Express, await you. Let us take you on a journey of discovery. [Read more]
Paris 1925, Art Deco and its architects: the exhibition opens at the Cité de l'Architecture
The Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine is celebrating a special anniversary: 100 years of the Art Deco movement. To mark the occasion, the museum is returning to the roots of Art Deco in Paris with an exhibition running from October 22, 2025, to March 29, 2026. [Read more]
In the wake of Magellan: the exhibition at the heart of the crossing at the National Maritime Museum
Discover the incredible epic journey of Magellan and his crew 500 years ago across the world's oceans through an immersive exhibition, starting October 22, 2025, at the National Maritime Museum. [Read more]
La Fabrique de la Galerie Farnèse: the exhibition that reproduces a masterpiece at the Musée du Louvre
Plunge into the heart of the Farnese Palace and its exceptional frescoes from November 5, 2025 to February 2, 2026, with the Musée du Louvre exhibition featuring a reproduction of this masterpiece. [Read more]
China, Imprints of the Past: the exhibition between art and archaeology at the Cernuschi Museum - our photos
Follow the quest of Chinese scholars and archaeologists, through ancient inscriptions and new reproduction techniques. From November 7, 2025 to March 15, 2026, the Musée Cernuschi retraces how these prints revolutionized the literary arts and inspired modernity. [Read more]
Victor Hugo, decorator: the exhibition on a little-known facet of the poet at Maison Victor Hugo
What if Victor Hugo had followed his first calling? From November 13, 2025 to April 26, 2026, a new exhibition reveals a little-known aspect of the writer's life: his passion for decorating, which we trace through his many creations, from Paris to Guernsey. [Read more]
The Count of Artois, prince and patron of the arts: the exhibition at the Château de Maisons-Laffitte - our photos
Discover the exhibition "Le Comte d'Artois, prince et mécène" at the Château de Maisons-Laffitte, from November 14, 2025 to March 2, 2026. More than 120 works from the Château de Versailles and prestigious collections reveal the youth of the future Charles X. [Read more]
Dragons: the exhibition between art and legends is on display at the Quai Branly Museum.
The Quai Branly Museum looks back on 5,000 years of stories and legends surrounding an iconic creature: dragons. Don't miss this unique exhibition exploring Chinese dragons, from November 18, 2025, to March 1, 2026. [Read more]
Mummies: an unusual and disturbing exhibition to discover at the Musée de l'Homme
The Musée de l'Homme takes us on a journey through the fascinating history of mummies, with an exhibition-event combining science and culture, open from November 19, 2025, to May 25, 2026. [Read more]
Audaces d'un style, the exhibition at the Châteaux de Bois-Préau and Malmaison
The Châteaux de Bois-Préau and Malmaison present Audaces d'un style, an exhibition on decorative art during Bonaparte's Consulate. On view from November 19, 2025 to March 9, 2026. [Read more]
Machine arrière #2, the typewriter: the retro exhibition at the Cité des Sciences - our photos
From November 25, 2025, the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie will be showcasing the typewriter in its "Machine arrière" series. A historical and audio immersion between technical innovations and social struggles. [Read more]
Amerindian allies at the court of Louis XV: the historical exhibition at the Château de Versailles
Immerse yourself in the Mississippi Valley from November 25, 2025 with the Château de Versailles exhibition on the native nations who allied themselves with the French when they settled in Louisiana during the reign of the young Louis XV. [Read more]
Dynastic Jewels: A Sparkling Exhibition at the Hôtel de la Marine in Paris
The Al Thani Collection and the Victoria and Albert Museum are teaming up to bring us a spectacular new exhibition. Running from December 10, 2025, to April 6, 2026, don’t miss "Dynastic Jewels" at the Hôtel de la Marine in Paris. [Read more]
Dinosaurs: the immersive experience that takes us back in time at the Atelier des Lumières, photos
A new documentary exhibition takes us to the Atelier des Lumières: this winter, from December 10, 2025, to March 8, 2026, step back into the age of the dinosaurs with an immersive experience that's both unique and family-friendly. [Read more]
The new History Gallery at the Château de Versailles to celebrate 400 years - photos
The History Gallery at the Château de Versailles reopens its doors to celebrate the 400th anniversary of this emblematic monument. Free of charge from September 15 to 17, 2023 for the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), then from September 21 with a ticket, discover a completely redesigned and refurbished gallery, retracing the history of the Château from its construction in 1623 by Louis XIII to the present day. More than 120 works from the Versailles collections, accompanied by a digital device, enable us to understand the creations, transformations and upheavals that have marked the Château. [Read more]
La Cité de l'Histoire, our test of the immersive French History experience at La Défense
Ready to plunge into the great History of France? The first Cité de l'Histoire is opening its doors in La Défense's Grande Arche, with a fun, immersive tour of our shared past. [Read more]
Elegant women of the Belle Époque: a candlelit tour of the exhibition at the Eugène Carrière Museum (93)
The Eugène Carrière Museum offers you another way to discover the dresses and paintings in the exhibition "Elégantes de la Belle Epoque" on December 5, 2025, and January 31, 2026. [Read more]
Le Trésor retrouvé du Roi Soleil: an exhibition of never-before-seen works at the Grand Palais
From February 1 to 8, 2026, the Grand Palais is exhibiting for the first time the monumental carpets commissioned by Louis XIV from the Manufactures nationales. A unique immersion in the splendor of the XVIIᵉ century, featuring 33 masterpieces woven for the Grande Galerie du Louvre. [Read more]
Simone Veil. My Sisters and I: An Intimate, Free Exhibition at the Memorial of the Shoah
The Shoah Memorial highlights the deep bond between Simone Veil and her sisters with a moving exhibition running from February 10 to October 15, 2026. [Read more]
Clovis’s World: The Interactive Exhibition Where You’re the Hero at the Val d’Oise Archaeological Museum
The Val d'Oise Archaeological Museum invites you to step into a historic journey — an interactive adventure where you become the hero, tracing the footsteps of King Clovis. Running from February 14 to November 1, 2026, this immersive and highly engaging exhibition promises an unforgettable experience. [Read more]
A day in the 18th century: explore a mansion with the Musée des Arts Déco exhibition.
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris invites us to visit an 18th-century mansion through the immersive exhibition "A Day in the 18th Century." Open from February 18 to July 5, 2026. [Read more]
Unicorn!: the Musée de Cluny's major exhibition explores the myth of the legendary creature.
The Cluny Museum in Paris is hosting “Unicorn!”, a major exhibition dedicated to the legendary mythical creature, running from March 10 to July 12, 2026. Through around a hundred works from across the globe, visitors can explore the history, symbolism, and centuries-old fascination with the unicorn — blending art, legend, and spirituality. [Read more]
Fashion in the 18th century, a fantasized heritage: an exhibition on the Age of Enlightenment at the Palais Galliera
The Palais Galliera celebrates the elegance of women's fashion in the Age of Enlightenment with the exhibition "Fashion in the 18th Century: A Fantasized Legacy," from March 14 to July 12, 2026, taking visitors on a journey through time to the heart of yesterday's and today's creations. [Read more]
Exhibition 1913-1923: The Spirit of the Era — A Cultural Encounter at the Quai Branly Museum
At the start of the 20th century, European artists began to explore the arts of Africa and Oceania. The Quai Branly Museum chronicles this cultural encounter through a unique exhibition running from March 17 to September 20, 2026. [Read more]
Imaginary maps, inventing worlds: the sensory exhibition at the BnF François-Mitterrand
From March 24 to July 19, 2026, the BnF François-Mitterrand is offering a rare immersion into cartography and its imaginary territories, through more than 200 works, for a journey to the frontiers of reality and fiction. [Read more]
Byblos, eternal city: explore the historic city with the exhibition at the Arab World Institute.
The Arab World Institute takes us on a journey to discover the world's first international seaport, dating back nearly 9,000 years. The exhibition Byblos, Eternal City is open from March 24 to August 23, 2026. [Read more]
Women in Reflection: Appearances and Imaginaries – Exploring Self-Image at the Cognacq-Jay Museum
The Cognacq-Jay Museum delves into the myriad portrayals of women in the 18th century with a captivating exhibition: "Women in the Mirror, Appearances and Imaginaries". The show runs from March 25 to September 20, 2026. [Read more]
The splendors of Baroque: The Jacquemart-André Museum's Spring Exhibition
The Jacquemart-André Museum is taking visitors on a journey through Hispanic Baroque art, from March 26 to August 2, 2026. Don't miss the exhibition "Splendors of the Baroque." [Read more]
Captives: Mediterranean Slavery Uncovered at the Arab World Institute
The Arab World Institute in Paris is hosting an exhibition dedicated to the history of slavery between Christians and Muslims across the Mediterranean from the 17th century to 1830. Titled "Captives: Arts and Slavery in the Modern Mediterranean", the exhibit runs from March 31, 2026, to July 19, 2026. Through artworks, rare artifacts, and unpublished documents, it offers a historical perspective on those enslaved and forced into labor in the ports of Europe and North Africa. [Read more]
Martin Schongauer, the timeless master: an exhibition showcasing the astonishing work of a remarkable painter at the Louvre Museum
Discover Martin Schongauer, a remarkable German painter from the Middle Ages. The Louvre Museum is hosting a retrospective exhibition dedicated to this "Beautiful Immortal," running from April 8 to July 20, 2026. [Read more]
Madame de Sévigné, Parisian Letters: A Unique Exhibition at the Carnavalet Museum
The Carnavalet Museum pays tribute to Madame de Sévigné with an engaging exhibition full of surprises, running from April 15 to August 23, 2026. [Read more]
Exploration: an affair of state? The exhibit that takes us on a journey at the Army Museum
The Army Museum traces three centuries of history with its new exhibition, Explorations: A Matter of State?, running from April 15 to August 16, 2026. [Read more]
Sèvres, a Rothschild Passion: An Immersive Porcelain Exhibition at the National Furniture Museum
From April 17 to July 26, 2026, the Mobilier National and the Sèvres Manufacture will unveil the Rothschild family’s passionate collection of 18th-century porcelain. The exhibition promises an immersive experience, blending masterpieces with detailed reconstructions. [Read more]
Primordial Water at the Louvre: An Exhibition Exploring Mesopotamia and Water Management
The Louvre Museum will showcase The Primeval Water exhibition from May 20, 2026, to March 15, 2027, in the Antiquities of the Orient galleries. This exhibit will explore how Mesopotamian civilizations invented some of the earliest hydraulic systems and envisioned their surroundings in relation to water. Through artifacts, stories, and infrastructure models, the display will examine our modern relationship with this vital resource. [Read more]
An exhibition of stage costumes designed by Christian Lacroix at the Château de Fontainebleau
As part of the Art History Festival, Fontainebleau Castle is showcasing an exhibition of stage costumes designed by Christian Lacroix, inspired by Marie-Antoinette and her iconic sense of style... Open from June 5 to October 17, 2026. [Read more]
Auguste Bartholdi: Liberty Enlightening the World — A New Exhibition on the Sculptor at the Musée d’Orsay
From September 15, 2026, to January 31, 2027, the Musée d'Orsay will showcase an exhibition dedicated to the Statue of Liberty and its creator, Auguste Bartholdi, a renowned 19th-century sculptor who collaborated with Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and Gustave Eiffel. [Read more]
An exhibition dedicated to Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI at the Château de Fontainebleau
The Château de Fontainebleau is hosting the exhibition "Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI at Fontainebleau: Splendor and Sweetness of Life" from October 11, 2026, to January 25, 2027. This is a wonderful opportunity for history buffs to immerse themselves in the life of the royal couple. [Read more]
The grand journey of medical discovery: an exhibition at the Arab World Institute
In Paris, the Arab World Institute is delving into the journey of medical knowledge across civilizations, from antiquity to the modern era. Through books, artifacts, and manuscripts, the exhibition "The Great Adventure of Medical Knowledge" will be on display from October 13, 2026, to January 10, 2027. [Read more]
The Call of the Deep: the exhibition in the abyss at the National Maritime Museum
From October 14, 2026, to February 14, 2027, the National Maritime Museum explores the depths at the Trocadéro. Nearly 240 works retrace the history of underwater exploration, from innovations and myths to scientific discoveries. [Read more]
The Hidden Treasures of the Nasrid Alhambra: An Exhibition in the Heart of Granada at the Arab World Institute
From November 24, 2026, to May 16, 2027, the Arab World Institute will take you on a journey to the Alhambra of the Nasrid sultans. Through an immersive experience and the display of extraordinary works of art, the exhibition revives the lost grandeur of Muhammad V's reign. [Read more]
Enjoy your visit, folks!
