TheÎle-de-France region boasts a rich architectural heritage: chosen by many kings as a place to live and wield power, it boasts some of the finest châteaux and estates in France. And do you know what you can find in these châteaux? Exhibitions! Visit these treasures of history, and take the opportunity to discover the exhibitions organized in the aisles of these magnificent palaces.
While most of these exhibitions focus on the history or illustrious tenants of these places, some castles like to surprise and feature different, but equally fascinating, subjects. Some unexpected discoveries await you this year.
Here's a selection of exhibitions organized in the region's châteaux and estates, to see now or book in the coming weeks!
This guide is updated regularly, based on announcements and cultural news from the châteaux. Don't hesitate to return to this page to discover what's new at any given time.
Freewheels, the cycling exhibition at the Musée du Domaine départemental de Sceaux
To find out all about the history of the bicycle, both as a sport and a means of transport, discover a sporting exhibition based around these two-wheeled vehicles, at the heart of the Musée du Domaine départemental de Sceaux, from June 21, 2024. [Read more]
Atala, an illustrated journey to the heart of a novel: the literary exhibition at the Maison de Chateaubriand
A new literary exhibition opens at the Maison de Chateaubriand on October 4, 2024! An opportunity to rediscover the writer's novel "Atala", which launched his career in 1801. [Read more]
Discover the Oudry, Peintre de courre exhibition at the Château de Fontainebleau
From October 13, 2024 to January 27, 2025, the Château de Fontainebleau presents an exceptional exhibition on Jean-Baptiste Oudry, the famous painter of Louis XV's royal hunts. This retrospective showcases his preparatory cartoons and resulting tapestries, as well as objets d'art illustrating the king's passion for hunting. We take you on a journey of discovery through this exhibition of exceptional, restored works. [Read more]
On horseback: the painting exhibition at the Musée national de la Renaissance - Château d'Ecouen
The Musée National de la Renaissance explores the art of equestrian portraiture with the exhibition "A cheval", on view from October 16, 2024 to January 27, 2025. [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]
Guillaume Bresson at the Château de Versailles: the exhibition where contemporary art meets history
The Château de Versailles welcomes Guillaume Bresson and his works where history and contemporary art meet. An exhibition to discover from January 21 to May 25 2025. [Read more]
Andrea Appiani, Napoleon's first painter in Italy: the exhibition at the Château de Bois-Préau
The Châteaux de Malmaison and Bois-Préau present "Andrea Appiani, Napoleon's first painter in Italy", an exhibition of paintings on view from March 16 to July 28, 2025. [Read more]
Maisons de plaisance around Paris: the Musée du Domaine royal de Marly exhibition
From the Renaissance onwards, the elite left the city for the countryside, and the Domaine royal de Marly, which was one of these popular residences, illustrates this trend in an exhibition running from April 11 to August 31, 2025. [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 Louis XIV's eldest son, yet he never acceded to the throne. The Château de Versailles revisits his story in an exhibition opening on October 14, 2025. [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]
We've got some great events coming up! All you have to do is choose the exhibition you like and plan your next visit. A great way to (re)discover the region's magnificent cultural and historical heritage. Shall we go?
