Looking for a must-do outing in September 2026 in Paris? To kick off the new year on a high note, head to the museums — they've got their own season of exciting exhibitions and must-attend events. From retrospectives of legendary artists to bold contemporary explorations, the city is brimming with captivating cultural experiences.
Musée du Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Fondation Vuitton, Lafayette Anticipations, Musée Guimet, Musée d'Art Moderne, Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie... All your favorite museums unveil their programs and offer you the best of culture, without leaving the capital. But that's not all! Art galleries, foundations and cultural centers are also going back to school, with a host of exceptional exhibitions. Just follow the guide!
When scheduling the art events in Paris for September 2026, it’s impossible to ignore the pull of the city’s museums and galleries. However, this season’s lineup is packed with highlights... To help you navigate your options and spend more time admiring masterpieces than staring at your screen, we’ve put together a curated selection of exhibitions not to miss this month. We invite you to explore the artistic events that will fill your days, evenings, and weekends with culture this September 2026.
Henry Taylor at the Picasso Museum Paris: A Contemporary American Painting Exhibition
The Picasso Museum in Paris is hosting an exhibition dedicated to Henry Taylor, the acclaimed American contemporary painter, featuring a collection of portraits and works that explore collective memory and references to Picasso. Running from April 8th to September 6th, 2026, the exhibition is carefully curated in collaboration with the artist himself and is accessible to visitors at the Parisian museum. [Read more]
Monet and Time at the Orangerie Museum: An Exhibition Exploring the Moment, the Duration, and the Water Lilies
At the Orangerie Museum, the exhibition "Monet and Time" delves into how Claude Monet captured moments, the passage of time, and the evolving landscape through his series and the Water Lilies cycle, running from September 30, 2026, to March 29, 2027. [Read more]
Exhibition "Cézanne and Us" at the Grand Palais: Dive into the Legacy of the Father of Modern Art
The Grand Palais is hosting a major exhibition dedicated to Paul Cézanne, titled Cézanne and Us, running from September 23, 2026, to January 17, 2027. This outside-the-venue exhibit has been developed in partnership with the Musée d'Orsay. [Read more]
The Warhol Line: An Exhibition Showcasing Andy Warhol’s Forgotten Works at the Luxembourg Museum
The Luxembourg Museum delves into Andy Warhol's sketches in a groundbreaking exhibition running from September 16, 2026, to January 10, 2027. [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]
Leonardo Cremonini exhibition at the Espace Richaud and the Musée Lambinet in Versailles
The Espace Richaud and the Musée Lambinet in Versailles are hosting an immersive exhibition dedicated to Leonardo Cremonini, master of poetic realism, narrative silence, and pictorial tension, from May 27 to October 5, 2026. [Read more]
The Musée Gustave Moreau, the painter's timeless home and studio in Paris
The Musée Gustave Moreau is a confidential Parisian museum nestled in the 9th arrondissement, where you can visit the artist's apartment and studio, and admire his famous staircase and numerous works of the Symbolist movement. [Read more]
Dalí x Rubinstein, Illusions croisées: an original dialogue in the heart of Montmartre
Sponsored - Located in Montmartre, the mecca of Parisian artistic creation, Dalí Paris has been home to the largest private collection dedicated to Salvador Dalí for over thirty years. More than 300 works, brought together by collector and gallery owner Beniamino Levi, reveal the rich universe of the master of surrealism. Sculptures, engravings, oil paintings, drawings, and watercolors testify to the richness of his inspirations, from science to alchemy, through Antiquity, the Renaissance, and religion. [Read more]
L'Esquisse, Barbizon's new cultural hotel, both café and free museum
L'Esquisse is a fusion of hotel, café and free museum. We're off to Barbizon, the famous artists' village, to take advantage of this new spot that combines large, charming rooms, a great café by the fireplace and a free museum honoring the artists who have influenced Barbizon around the world. [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]
Claude Monet's Maison Impressionniste, the museum of the painter's life in Argenteuil
To discover the life of Claude Monet, there's no need to go as far as Giverny, as the Maison Impressionniste de Claude Monet in Argenteuil is home to an immersive museum about the painter. [Read more]
AURA INVALIDES, the must-see sound and light show in Paris
Looking for a unique nocturnal experience in Paris? Ready to be amazed and embark on a timeless journey to a legendary heritage site? Come and discover AURA INVALIDES, a sound and light show at the iconic Dôme des Invalides as night falls. A magical moment in the heart of the Dome, sure to delight young and old alike. [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]
Weddings - Farah: a Unique Cultural Exhibition at the Arab World Institute
The Arab World Institute is inviting us to a celebration— and not just any celebration. Immerse yourself in the world of Maghrebian weddings with an expansive, immersive exhibition opening from September 29, 2026, through January 31, 2027. [Read more]
Video Games & Music: the exhibition dedicated to video game music at the Philharmonie de Paris
The Philharmonie de Paris is dedicating a major exhibition to video game music with Video Games & Music: The Music You Are the Hero Of, running from April 2 to November 8, 2026. This immersive and interactive journey explores the sound history of video games, combining technology, pop culture, and iconic musical creations. [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]
Fables Immersives: an immersive journey to the heart of La Fontaine's Fables near the Champs-Elysées
An immersive experience that brings Jean de La Fontaine's famous fables to life, that's the promise of "Fables Immersives". This cultural journey awaits us from September 6, 2025, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, not far from the famous Champs-Elysées avenue. [Read more]
Paradox Museum Paris unveils 5 new immersive experiences and a Hans & Gretel Café
Paradox Museum, with almost a hundred interactive installations, offers a captivating journey through trompe-l'œil, optical illusions, and sensory surprises right in the heart of Paris. You'll love being fooled and capturing surreal photos along the way. Five brand-new immersive experiences have been added to the exhibit, so now's the perfect time to challenge your senses! As a bonus, indulge in the brand-new, irresistibly tasty Cafe Hans & Gretel, ready to delight your palate. This December, immerse yourself in the holiday festivities at Paradox Museum with XMAS MINDLIGHT, a dazzling, magical Christmas light experience you won't want to miss! [Read more]
Les derniers remparts, Carcassonne 1304: an immersive expedition at Bercy Village
Travel back in time and experience history differently with Les derniers remparts, Carcassonne 1304, a virtual reality experience from Excurio, in partnership with the Centre des Monuments nationaux. Available at Eclipso in Bercy Village from April 4, 2025. [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]
The Cité de l'Histoire: a fun way for families to discover history
Sponsored - 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]
Mission spatiale, the new permanent exhibition in the stars at the Cité des sciences
Take a trip into space from October 23, 2023 at the Cité des sciences et de l'industrie, with a new permanent exhibition on the conquest of space. [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]
The Great Ages: A poignant photographic exhibition by Nikos Aliagas at the Museum of Man
Starting April 8, 2026, the Museum of Man will host a photography exhibition by Nikos Aliagas. Titled "The Grande Ages," the exhibit explores our connection to aging through a blend of intimate portraits and scientific insights, highlighting the vital role of our elders in society. [Read more]
All Inclusive: Photographer Kourtney Roy Examines Tourism in a New Exhibition at Citéco
With her vintage aesthetic and striking photographs, artist Kourtney Roy shines a spotlight on the paradoxes of global tourism. Don't miss the exhibition All Inclusive, running from February 20 to September 20, 2026, at Citéco. [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]
Rafael Pavarotti Photographer: A Fashion Photography Exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris
Fashion photography takes over the Museum of Decorative Arts with an exhibition dedicated to Rafael Pavarotti. From September 23, 2026, to February 7, 2027, over 200 vibrant prints will showcase, for the first time in France, the career of the Brazilian photographer and engage in a dialogue with the museum's photographic collections. [Read more]
Robert Capa: the must-see exhibition dedicated to the photographer at the Musée de la Libération de Paris
Discover the exhibition dedicated to Robert Capa at the Musée de la Libération de Paris, an immersive journey designed with Magnum Photos to understand the art of war photojournalism. A visual exploration of history to be experienced from February 18 to December 20, 2026. [Read more]
Switching Tracks at the Paris Refrigeration Museum
Sponsored - Discover L’Aiguillage, nestled within the Frigos of Paris: a vibrant blend of art, craftsmanship, and conviviality. A space rich in history and brimming with innovative artistic experiments. [Read more]
From steel to paper, a look at engraved stamps: the exhibition at the Postal Museum
The Postal Museum is presenting an exhibition of photos on the engraved stamp, which can be seen from November 7, 2025, to October 12, 2026. [Read more]
Acne Paper Palais Royal: the permanent (art) gallery for the Acne Studios brand opens in Paris
Paris mixes fashion and culture in style! On June 26, 2025, Acne Studios opened its first independent art gallery, Acne Paper Palais Royal, under the arcades of the Palais Royal. An arty new spot in the heart of the 1st arrondissement. [Read more]
ZEUS, the iconic metal horse from the Olympics, on display for free at the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Paris
Zeus, the mechanical horse from the Olympic Games that captured everyone's hearts, has now arrived at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris. The towering steel colossus is open to the public free of charge from December 17, 2025, to January 10, 2027. [Read more]
Borderlines: The exhibition at the Cité des sciences exploring the boundaries of our world
In Paris, the City of Science is hosting the exhibition Frontière, an immersive and documentary experience that explores the concept of borders through ten real-world case studies from around the globe. Running from April 14, 2026, to January 2, 2028, this exhibition invites visitors aged 12 and up to engage in a thought-provoking journey at the intersection of geography, society, and art. [Read more]
Cling! Comics speak cash: the Monnaie de Paris dives into comics with a unique exhibition
The Monnaie de Paris is exploring money in comics with a unique exhibition entitled Cling! Comics talk cash. On display from April 10 to September 6, 2026. [Read more]
Back to school: educational museums to do with children in Paris
It's back to school for the kids. Would you like to accompany your little ones back to school in a fun way? If so, here's our selection of educational museums in Paris, where you can have fun learning lots of things, even with children! [Read more]
A new exhibition space opens at the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace (93)
From June 24, 2025, the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace will be offering an enriched tour, including a new exhibition space. [Read more]
The Hangar Y's contemporary open-air exhibition is back! An artistic stroll in the green
The Hangar Y, which conceals a 10-hectare natural area planted with trees, offers a year-round open-air art walk, free on weekdays and €3 with access to the Hangar on weekends. Since April 28, 2025, new works have been added to the circuit. From Erwin Wurm and Lionel Sabatte to Pauline Tralongo and Odile Decq, it's time for an unusual, unplugged stroll through the heart of the Hauts-de-Seine. [Read more]
The Petit Moulin des Vaux de Cernay is transformed into a cultural restaurant with terrace (78)
Alert friends, the famous little Moulin des Vaux de Cernay in the Vallée de Chevreuse in the Yvelines (78), is being revived and transformed into a cultural restaurant that combines a place to eat, have a drink and relax in the sun with a cultural gallery where you can enjoy ephemeral exhibitions in a place steeped in history. [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]
Maison Poincaré: we visited the very first mathematics museum in Paris
The Maison Poincaré, nestled in the heart of Paris's Latin Quarter, invites you to discover the capital's very first mathematics museum from September 30, 2023. Inspired by the world's greatest science museums, this unique venue promises to illuminate the history, influence and wonders of mathematics for all the curious! We tell you all about it! [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 Durfort Mammoth at the Paris Natural History Museum, restored!
(Re)discover at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, the newly restored "Mammouth de Durfort", an icon of paleontology on display since 1898. [Read more]
Bio-inspired, the new permanent exhibition at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie
Look out, here it is: the new permanent exhibition that will fascinate us to no end. "Bio-inspired" takes up residence at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie from September 18, 2020. A great introduction to talking about the environment and sustainable solutions with children and grown-ups alike. [Read more]
Free exhibitions to explore in September 2026: the best spots to visit in Paris and Île-de-France
Looking to enjoy a fantastic free exhibition in September 2026 in Paris? You're in luck, as museums and galleries are also kicking off their new season! Come explore the must-see art highlights happening in Paris and the Île-de-France region. [Read more]
And if you're looking for a good deal, don't hesitate to consult our guide to cultural walks and open-air exhibitions and our guide to Parisian museums, which are free to all all year round! Whether you're a lover of classical art or looking for something modern, Parisian museums offer a whole range of wonderful discoveries to suit all tastes.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026
Free exhibitions to explore in September 2026: the best spots to visit in Paris and Île-de-France
