The greatest museums and monuments may be in Paris, but theIle-de-France region is full of little nuggets not to be missed! The departments of Ile-de-France also offer exceptional exhibitions in astonishing settings, within easy reach of Navigo, Transilien or TER trains. There's something for the whole family, with free exhibitions for young and old, outdoors or in a château!
Discover the exhibitions available in your département this month, and a preview of those coming soon to museums in your area! It's also a not-to-be-missed tip for Parisians who want to get out of the capital for a while and visit places other than the usual Musée du Louvre or Musée d'Orsay.
This guide is updated regularly, according to the programming of the museums in the different departments. Check back later for exhibitions near you!
New: an open-air trench at the Grande Guerre museum
Sponsored - Follow in the footsteps of the 600,000 men from Black Africa, the West Indies, Oceania, Asia and North Africa who came to fight far from home on the various fronts of the war in Europe in a major exhibition at the Musée de la Grande Guerre. From April 4 to December 30, 2024. The Musée de la Grande Guerre expands! Come and discover an installation never before seen in France: an open-air trench. [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]
The living railway museum, a meeting place for train enthusiasts in Longueville (77)
Just a few kilometers from Provins, in the Seine-et-Marne département, you'll find the Living Railway Museum in the small town of Longueville. It's a must-see for young and old alike, for lovers of trains and locomotives. [Read more]
The Musée des Transports Urbains, a deep dive into the history of our means of locomotion in Chelles.
What were the first metro trains like? What did public transport look like 150 years ago? Immerse yourself in the history of urban transport at the dedicated museum in Chelles (77). [Read more]
The Great War Museum, an immersion in the heart of the First World War, in Meaux (77)
At the Musée de la Grande Guerre du Pays de Meaux in Meaux, you can immerse yourself in the daily lives of civilians and soldiers during the Great War of 14-18. A historical museum to discover with friends or family, to plunge into the heart of French History. [Read more]
The Musée de la Préhistoire (Prehistory Museum), an immersion into the life of the first humans, in Nemours (77)
Located in the town of Nemours in the Seine-et-Marne département, the Musée de Préhistoire d'Île-de-France takes you on a journey of discovery into the daily lives of our prehistoric ancestors and their way of life. [Read more]
Musée Aéronautique et Spatial Safran: a plunge into the history of aviation
The Musée Aéronautique et Spatial Safran in Réau, near Melun, invites enthusiasts to rediscover the evolution of aeronautical propulsion since 1905. Why not visit this free museum, which is well worth the detour? [Read more]
Discover the unusual Chinese Museum at the Château de Fontainebleau
Did you know that the Château de Fontainebleau houses a Chinese Museum? Discover this unique collection of murals, furniture, sculptures and textiles. Created in 1863 by Empress Eugénie, this hidden museum is housed in the château's Gros Pavillon. Its spaces feature some 800 objects of art and furniture, mainly gifts from China, Japan and Thailand. [Read more]
Maison de Claude Debussy: discover the composer's world at Saint-Germain-en-Laye
From November 23, 2024, the Maison de Claude Debussy, the famous French composer, will once again open its doors in the heart of Saint-Germain-en-Laye! An opportunity to enter his world, in the house where he was born, a listed historic monument. [Read more]
16th Salon des Arts de Maisons-Laffitte: a poetic immersion with Monika Cicolella
Discover the 16th Salon des Arts de Maisons-Laffitte, from November 17 to December 7, 2024, with Monika Cicolella, guest of honor, at the Centre Montesquieu. [Read more]
Les Cimes de l'Asphalte exhibition by Duy Anh Nhan Duc at Espace Richaud - our photos
An exhibition focused on nature and trees... Espace Richaud, Versailles, invites you to discover "Les Cimes de l'Asphalte" by artist Duy Anh Nhan Duc from October 25, 2024 to January 26, 2025. Through poetic and immersive installations, the artist explores the deep relationship we have with trees, from wood to gasoline, symbols of memory and resilience in an urban environment. [Read more]
Game Story: our photos of the video game exhibition at the Ancienne Poste in Versailles
When video games take over the Ancienne Poste de Versailles! From October 19, 2024 to April 25, 2025, the city and the MO5 association invite you to discover Game Story, an exhibition retracing 70 years of video game history at the Ancienne Poste de Versailles. An unprecedented dive into the world of video games, with over 100 playable machines and 500 iconic games, from Pong to Dead Cells! [Read more]
The Musée du Jouet: an unusual dive into collections of old toys, in Poissy (78)
The Musée du Jouet, located near Poissy in the Yvelines department of France, invites you to step back in time as you explore its collections. [Read more]
ZEUS, the metal horse from the Olympic opening ceremony, on display at Versailles - final days
Zeus, the mechanical horse of the Olympic Games, is about to set foot at the Château de Versailles. After dazzling Paris, he'll be making a monumental stopover in the Yvelines region from October 1 to November 24, 2024. A new chance to discover this steel colossus, ready to steal the show in this royal setting! [Read more]
The Museum of National Archaeology - Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
The Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, high up in the Yvelines, was one of the royal residences of François I. Today, it houses the national archaeology museum. Today, it houses the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale, with over 29,000 objects on display! [Read more]
La Maison de Fer de Poissy, the unusual museum nestled in the Parc Meissonnier
La Maison de Fer à Poissy, a monument dating from 1896, is an atypical museum on the town of Poissy, to be discovered in the heart of the Parc Meissonnier. Discover its unique industrial architecture and history, and immerse yourself in the story of Poissy's development. [Read more]
The Maison Zola, the Dreyfus Museum in Médan, Yvelines
In the heart of the Yvelines region, the Musée Dreyfus, in the grounds of the Maison d'Émile Zola, stands as a place steeped in literary and judicial history. Located in Médan, just an hour's drive from Paris, this historic house and museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the life and work of Émile Zola, as well as the Dreyfus Affair, two major elements of late 19th-century French culture. [Read more]
Le Rambolitrain, model train museum in Rambouillet (78)
In Rambouillet, in the Yvelines department, Rambolitrain boasts a unique collection of toy trains, whether miniature or life-size. History, scale models and guided tours: welcome to the temple of the toy train! [Read more]
MIDAN, a naive art museum nestled in a country house in Vicq (78)
The Musée international d'art naïf d'île-de-France (MIDAN) is located in Vicq, a small town in the Yvelines department of France, a cultural venue dedicated to a little-known yet very rich artistic movement. [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]
The Musée de la Toile de Jouy, a journey into the world of cotton printing
The Musée de la Toile de Jouy, dedicated to the emblematic fabric printed with floral motifs and characters, is nestled in the Château de l'Églantine in Jouy-en-Josas (78). In addition to its historic collection, the museum regularly exhibits contemporary artists and organizes creative workshops! [Read more]
The Lambinet Museum reopens, discover its collections on the art and history of Versailles
After three years of work, the Lambinet Museum, which presents the history of the city of Versailles, will reopen to the public on December 3, 2022. The program includes a large collection of works from the Renaissance to the mid-20th century. [Read more]
The Caillebotte house, home of the famous Impressionist painter in Yerres (91)
Located in the heart of the beautiful Caillebotte estate, notable for its immense park, the Maison Caillebotte stands out for its large white colonnades: reopened to the public in 2017, it's the perfect opportunity to discover the home of the famous Impressionist painter, Gustave Caillebotte. [Read more]
Pop Central: the museum for fans of vintage movie cars and arcade games
Who hasn't dreamed of getting behind the wheel of the Batmobile or reliving the atmosphere of the arcades of the 90s? In Étréchy (91), the Pop Central Museum awaits you on Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends, for a total immersion in pop culture, with legendary movie cars and vintage arcade machines galore. [Read more]
Maison-atelier Foujita in Essonne: an intimate glimpse of the famous Franco-Japanese painter
Come and discover the incredible life of Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita, talented Franco-Japanese painter and true jack-of-all-trades, by pushing open the doors of the Maison-atelier Foujita nestled in the small village of Villiers-le-Bâcle, Essonne. Would you like a tour? [Read more]
Listening to the fishes: a sound-immersion exhibition in the marine world of La Seine Musicale
La Seine Musicale takes us 20,000 leagues under the sea, to discover an unsuspected world... From October 16, 2024 to February 1, 2025, come and visit the A l'écoute des poissons et autres crevettes bruyantes sound exhibition. [Read more]
La Faune en plis: an unusual, free exhibition of animal origami, at the Pavillon Vendôme (92)
From October 16 to January 11, 2025, a free and, to say the least, unusual exhibition takes up residence in the Pavillon Vendôme in Clichy: discover Faune en plis, a work by Gerard Ty Sovann. [Read more]
Marvels! The 200th anniversary exhibition of the Musée national de Céramique in Sèvres (92)
To celebrate its 200th anniversary, the Musée national de Céramique de Sèvres is pulling out all the stops and opening its "Wonders" exhibition to the public, showcasing hundreds of works from its incredible collection, from prehistory to the present day. [Read more]
Extraordinary workshops: immersive experiences in the world of Monet, Gaudi or Van Gogh
Hangar Y invites you to plunge into the world of Monet, Van Gogh and Gaudi with immersive virtual reality experiences, from November 1, 2024 to February 16, 2025. [Read more]
Les Extatiques 2024 take over Ile Seguin with circus, street art and contemporary art
Les Extatiques, the free contemporary open-air exhibition, is heading for the Ïle des Arts this year. From September 21 to November 21, the spot is transformed into a free artistic promenade combining contemporary art and live performance. [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]
Natures vivantes: the photo exhibition showcasing the gardens of the Albert Kahn Museum - photos
The Musée Albert Kahn explores the philanthropist's passion for his gardens, with the photo exhibition Natures vivantes, on view from April 30 to December 31, 2024. [Read more]
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]
The Musée de la Carte à jouer, a unique collection dedicated to our card games, in Issy (92).
Just south of Paris, in Issy-des-Moulineaux (92), you'll find a museum that's unique in France: the Musée de la Carte à jouer, a cultural venue devoted entirely to card games, from the first models to appear in the 15th century, right up to the present day. [Read more]
The Cité de l'Histoire: a fun way for families to discover history
Plunge into the heart of the most fascinating periods in human history with immersive shows and technological animations that will delight young and old alike. Relive the great moments of the past, meet the emblematic figures of French history and create unforgettable memories together! Three main animations await you, in a space entirely designed for family amazement, offering a journey through the most emotionally rich eras. [Read more]
Le Corbusier in Boulogne: visit the apartment-studio of the famous French architect
The Fondation Le Corbusier offers unique tours of the famous French architect's apartment-studio, located in the Molitor building on the Boulogne-Paris border, to perpetuate the eternal influence of this visionary genius. [Read more]
Hangar Y : the huge cultural place in Meudon, our pictures
Described as a cultural venue at the crossroads of art, science, technology and nature, Hangar Y officially opens its doors on Wednesday March 22, 2023, after months of renovation work and more than 40 years of closure. Located in Meudon, in the Hauts-de-Seine region of France, Hangar Y immerses visitors in an incredible experience combining history and modernity, art and nature. [Read more]
The Arp Foundation in Clamart: an artist's house that has survived the decades
Are you an art lover or just curious? In Clamart, it is possible to visit the former house-studio of Jean Arp and Sophie Taeuber. Discover an atypical place, born from the creative imagination of a couple of sculptors. [Read more]
Maison de Chateaubriand: an incursion in the heart of literary and architectural romanticism
At the end of RER B, heading to Robinson, stand the Maison de Chateaubriand in the Domaine de la Vallée-aux-Loups. Discover this elegant house that was used by the writer and his wide for many years. [Read more]
The Cherqui Foundation, a mecca for kinetic art and its immersive collections in Aubervilliers
Just a few metro stops from Paris, the Cherqui Foundation is undoubtedly one of the most unusual places in the capital's northern suburbs. With collections that are unique in France, bringing together over 4,000 pieces, we take you on a voyage of discovery. [Read more]
The Cherqui Foundation: the kinetic art museum just outside Paris!
Sponsored - Do you like optical and kinetic art? Head for the Fondation Cherqui, a few kilometers from Paris. This art gallery, similar in size to a museum, houses a collection of over 5,000 works by Jean Cherqui. Book your visit now! [Read more]
Nouvelles Reines: Sandra Reinflet's photographic exhibition at the Basilica of Saint-Denis (93)
The Basilica of Saint-Denis is once again adorned with symbolic portraits, this time in honor of women and in particular the city's inhabitants, in a place that is home to 32 queens of France. Discover Sandra Reinflet's work until April 27, 2025. [Read more]
Exhibition 'Des Jeux et des lieux: à la découverte l'héritage urbain des JOP' in Saint-Denis!
Sponsored - The Des Jeux et des lieux, l'héritage urbain en Seine-Saint-Denis (Games and Places, Urban Legacy in Seine-Saint-Denis) exhibition, covering almost 170m2, highlights the legacy of the Games: from urban transformations to relics of the Games such as an Olympic torch, or the outfits of torchbearers and the opening ceremony. On view until November 25, 2024. [Read more]
A media and games library opens at the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace
The Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace at Le Bourget has launched a new area reserved for children and families. This media and games library invites you to travel to the heart of aeronautics and space knowledge. [Read more]
Île-de-France: the Memorial at the former Bobigny deportation station
The former deportation station at Bobigny is transformed into a "Memorial". A place of remembrance of the deportation of the Jews of France, this site steeped in history and located in Seine-Saint-Denis opened its doors in January 2023. [Read more]
Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace at Le Bourget, a unique place that puts stars in your eyes
The Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace at Le Bourget is a nugget for those who dream of traveling, while the world's eyes are riveted on Mars, the Moon and the ISS. Here, you can rediscover the planes of the conquest of air and space for free, and even climb aboard a number of mythical aircraft! [Read more]
Rosny-Rail, the railway and train museum at Rosny-sous-Bois station (93)
The Rosny-sous-Bois railway station in Seine-Saint-Denis is home to a museum that is, to say the least... unusual. Run by volunteers with a passion for railroads, the Musée du Rosny-Rail is a must for all train enthusiasts. [Read more]
Colors Festival 2024, the huge street art exhibition in an abandoned house, goes into overtime
Calling all street-art fans: the Colors Festival is extending its run! The collective, which took over the Ile-de-France region in Champigny-sur-Marne to transform a forgotten house, awaits you once again from October 19, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Under the theme "Nature reclaims its rights", animals and vegetation take over the site. [Read more]
Faits divers, the mysterious contemporary exhibition to explore at MAC-VAL
Dive into the darker side of the news with MAC-VAL's original and mysterious exhibition, on view from November 15, 2024 to April 14, 2025. [Read more]
The MAC-VAL, Val-de-Marne's contemporary art museum, and its collections within Navigo's reach
If you're a contemporary art lover, come and discover - or rediscover - the MAC-VAL, the Val-de-Marne contemporary art museum in Vitry-sur-Seine. [Read more]
The Fragonard Museum at Maisons-Alfort Veterinary School
One of the most unusual museums in Paris and the Île-de-France region is the Musée Fragonard in Maisons-Alfort. Dedicated to veterinary medicine, it presents fascinating exhibits and pathologies for the curious and the thrilled. Sensitive souls please. [Read more]
Beyond the invisible: Cécile Beau and Grégoire Scalabre's exhibition at Abbaye de Maubuisson
Discover "Ençà de l'invisible", the immersive exhibition by artists Cécile Beau and Grégoire Scalabre, at Abbaye de Maubuisson, combining nature-inspired installations and ceramic sculptures, from October 6, 2024 to February 23, 2025. [Read more]
Three centuries at Isle Adam: the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire Louis Senlecq's bucolic exhibition
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 21, 2025. [Read more]
Treasures: a free exhibition exploring the thousand-year-old history of Argenteuil (95)
Until March 2, 2025, the town of Argenteuil has brought out its archives and its finest artistic and historical treasures to present them to you in an exhibition that traces the fascinating history of this Val-d'Oise commune. [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]
Van Gogh, the last journeys: the exhibition at Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise - Extensions
Auvers-sur-Oise, the birthplace of Impressionism in the Île-de-France region, was home to the painter Vincent Van Gogh during the last years of his life. The château is extending its event exhibition, focusing on his last journeys, until November 2025. [Read more]
Monuments Men, the exhibition at Château de la Roche Guyon that pays tribute to art officers
We're off to the Château de La Roche-Guyon to discover the "Monuments Men" exhibition, which runs from May 18 to November 24, 2024. The exhibition pays tribute to the "art officers" of the Second World War, who worked to protect, safeguard and restore Europe's cultural heritage. As part of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Liberation, this exhibition offers a fascinating journey through history and art in a place steeped in memory. [Read more]
Insect investigation, the exhibition on small animals at the Musée du Vexin français (95)
Welcome to an exhibition dedicated to insects, the little creatures of our daily lives that we know so little about. To help you discover the characteristics, aptitudes, diets and lifestyles of the insects that surround us, the Musée du Vexin Français, in Théméricourt, is presenting Enquête d'insectes, an exhibition dedicated to the discovery of insects! [Read more]
Viking heroes: a free exhibition combining history and culture at the Val d'Oise archaeological museum
The Musée d'archéologique du Val d'Oise introduces us to the world of the Vikings, between history and imaginary clichés, with the Viking Heroes exhibition on view from February 10 to December 29, 2024. [Read more]
La Cité Immersive Viking: the historical experience arrives at Westfield Carré Sénart (77)
Immerse yourself in the Viking era in France with an immersive, sensory experience, starting December 20, 2024, at the Westfield Carré Sénart, featuring sound and light shows, sets and artifact displays. [Read more]
40 years of Christmas at Rambolitrain: the event exhibition for Christmas, at Rambolitrain (78)
From December 26, 2024 to January 5, 2025, the Rambolitrain will be retracing 40 years of festivities and toys under the Christmas tree, in a never-before-seen retrospective exhibition. [Read more]
Salon de Montrouge 2024: the contemporary art fair spotlighting tomorrow's talent
The Salon de Montrouge returns for its 68th edition from February 7 to 23, 2025. Every year, this not-to-be-missed contemporary art event presents dozens of emerging artists gathered in the 1,500 m² of the Belfry. [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]
Flight: discover the secrets of flight in an exhibition at the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace (93)
In its new exhibition, the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace takes a closer look at flight, through everything that soars through the air, be it a plane, a bird or even an insect! Discover the secrets of this exceptional faculty, from December 17, 2024 to July 27, 2025. [Read more]
Not-to-be-missed autumn 2024 exhibitions in Paris and the Île-de-France region
Are you in Paris this autumn? Then take a moment to visit the most beautiful exhibitions organized in Paris between September 22 and December 20, 2024. We've got some great events lined up, so take a look at the program! [Read more]