Paris is gearing up for an exceptional cultural year! If you’re looking for things to do in Paris in 2026, or the must-see museums in Paris, this selection is for you. The year 2026 promises to be rich in excitement with a program ranging from the great masters of Impressionism to the most daring avant-garde, including icons of photography and legendary figures.
Mark your calendars: we’ve compiled a list of the 10 most anticipated exhibitions that will be making headlines at museums in Paris. Whether you’re a lover of ancient art, passionate about photography, or fascinated by modernity, follow our guide so you don’t miss any of the masterpieces to see in Paris next year, from Renoir to Hilma af Klint, not to mention the Unicorn!
The Top 10 Exhibitions and Events in Paris in 2026
1. Jeu de Paume: Martin Parr, Global Warning
The Jeu de Paume will host a major retrospective dedicated to Martin Parr, the renowned British photographer. Through 180 witty and incisive photographs, the exhibition will paint an ironic portrait of our contemporary society. The artist takes a critical look at major themes such as overconsumption, the impact of mass tourism, and global imbalances. An essential visual satire that combines humor with striking lucidity.
From January 30 to May 24, 2026
2. Cluny Museum: Unicorns!
The Cluny Museum invites the public to explore the history and symbolism of the unicorn, a mythical creature that has fascinated people from ancient times to contemporary pop culture. Beyond its famous appearance in The Lady and the Unicorn, the exhibition examines the iconography of the beast from a historical, aesthetic, and intellectual perspective. Organized into eight sections, it will reveal the multiple resonances of this symbol of purity and singularity.
From March 10 to July 12, 2026
3. Quai Branly: Paris 1913-23, the spirit of the times
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Paris at the beginning of the 20th century, a pivotal period between the eve of World War I and the effervescence of the interwar years. The exhibition will explore the extraordinary creativity of this decade and highlight the profound influence of non-Western arts on the emergence of the modern avant-garde. It will be a unique opportunity to understand how cultural exchanges shaped the face of modernity.
From March 17 to September 20, 2026
4. Musée d’Orsay: Renoir and Love
The Musée d’Orsay will honor Pierre-Auguste Renoir and his tender vision of human relationships. This luminous retrospective will explore how the Impressionist master celebrated love in all its forms, through his scenes of conviviality, intimate portraits, and female figures. Co-organized with prestigious institutions (the National Gallery in London and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston), it will bring together major paintings that have rarely been exhibited together in decades.
From March 17 to July 19, 2026
5. Petit Palais: Faces of Artists, from Gustave Courbet to Annette Messager
The Petit Palais will explore a very powerful theme in its collections: portraits and self-portraits of artists. This is an opportunity to rediscover rarely exhibited works, ranging from painting to decorative arts, sculpture, photography, and graphic arts.
From March 18 to July 19, 2026
6. Grand Palais: Matisse, 1941-1954
The Grand Palais invites the public to immerse themselves in the bold work of Henri Matisse. The exhibition celebrates the genius of the leader of Fauvism, where color is much more than just a hue: it becomes the artist’s primary language. Expect a vibrant journey highlighting how Matisse pushed the boundaries of chromatic expression to achieve absolute emotion and visual purity.
From March 24 to July 26, 2026
7. Musée de l’Orangerie: Henri Rousseau, The Ambition of Painting
In partnership with the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, the Musée de l’Orangerie will dedicate a major exhibition to Henri Rousseau, known as “Le Douanier.” Entitled “The Ambition of Painting,” it will bring together some fifty of his major paintings to retrace the career of this self-taught artist. The event explores not only his inimitable technique and famous jungles, but also his artistic aspirations and his unique role in the emergence of modern art.
From March 25 to July 20, 2026
8. Cognacq-Jay: Women in the mirror, appearances and imaginations
In collaboration with the Palais Galliera, the Cognacq-Jay Museum will devote an exhibition to the theme of femininity in the 18th century. The exhibition will bring together paintings and textiles (costumes) in a unique way, exploring the importance of clothing in the construction of self-image. It will offer a fascinating insight into how the aristocracy and urban bourgeoisie showcased female beauty during the Age of Enlightenment.
From March 25 to September 20, 2026
9. Museum of Modern Art, Paris: Lee Miller
The Musée d’Art Moderne in Paris will present an ambitious retrospective of Lee Miller, a photographer whose life was as rich as her work. The exhibition, produced in collaboration with Tate Britain and the Art Institute of Chicago, will present 250 pieces tracing her exceptional career: from model for Vogue to surrealist photographer, then war reporter covering the liberation of Europe. A vibrant tribute to a free, visionary, and committed artist.
From April 3 to July 26, 2026
10. Grand Palais: Hilma af Klint
A major event in 2026: the Grand Palais honors Hilma af Klint (1862-1944), the artist who created the first known abstract works, long before Kandinsky. This exhibition, the first of its kind in France, features the monumental “Temple Paintings.” The event traces the career of this pioneer, whose visionary work, inspired by esotericism, is now essential to any reinterpretation of the history of modern art.
From May 6 to August 30, 2026
So, which exhibition appeals to you the most?!
Happy New Year 2026 in Parisian museums!
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