Paris Museum Exhibitions for 2025 – A Year Of Art, History & Culture

Paris has always been a cultural beacon, and its museums are no exception. The 2025 Paris museum exhibitions calendar presents an impressive array of offerings, from world-renowned institutions like the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay to the more intimate settings of the Petit Palais and Musée Marmottan-Monet.

Each exhibition is an opportunity to dive deeper into the art and history of the city. The freshly restored Musée Carnavalet adds yet another dimension to an already vibrant scene. Even the Natural History Museum is getting in the act with one of the more spectacular Paris museum exhibitions — Déserts: The Science of Arid Lands.

Paris Museum Exhibitions: The Louvre 2025

The Louvre & the Pyramid, photo by Mark Craft

When the most popular museum in the world announces its new exhibitions, the art world takes notice. Home to one of the most comprehensive collections on the planet, this historic institution offers more than just its masterpieces like the Venus de Milo and da Vinci's Mona Lisa.

Each year, the Louvre brings fresh insight into its expansive collection through carefully chosen exhibitions that showcase art across cultures and time periods. 2025 will be no different. Prepare to discover works that challenge, inspire, and deepen our understanding of art in its many forms.

Figures of the Fool

This ambitious exhibition will focus on the medieval figure of the fool through 300 works of art — from ivories, boxes, small bronzes, medals, drawings, prints to paintings and tapestries.

• Louvre Museum
• Ends February 3, 2025
• Information

A New Look at Watteau's Pierrot

Formerly known as Gilles, Watteau's Pierrot is one of the most famous masterpieces in the Louvre's collection. Discovered by the Director of the Louvre during the time of Napoleon, it garnered praise from writers and art historians for its mischievous and melancholy mood. It will be seen for first time since undergoing extensive restoration.

• Louvre Museum
• Ends February 3, 2025
• Information

Guillaume Guillon-Lethière

The first major exhibition to focus on this French neoclassical artist (1760-1832) who faded from fame but was celebrated during his lifetime for his oeuvre, The Oath of the Ancestors, an anti-slavery manifesto advocating freedom for all peoples. His mother was a freed slave and his father was a French colonial official.

• Louvre Museum
• Ends February 17, 2025

Near Eastern Antiquities in Dialogue

See ten ancient artworks from central Asia, Syria, Iran and Mesopotamia on loan from New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Dating from the 4th millennium BCE to the 5th century CE, this remarkable exhibition pairs ancient sculptures reunited for the first time in modern times.

• Louvre Museum
• Ends September 29, 2025
• Information

Cimabue: The Origins Of Modern Painting

The discovery of Giovanni Cimabue's Christ Mocked in an unexpected place shocked the art world. The painting, thought to be lost for centuries, was found in a woman's kitchen in Compiegne, France. How did a masterpiece end up in such humble surroundings? Now restored, it hangs in the Louvre after a four-year restoration.

• Louvre Museum
• January 22 to May 12, 2025
• Information…

Couture Inspired by Louvre Masterpieces

This exhibition highlights the intersection of classical art and haute couture, featuring garments influenced by the Louvre's world-renowned collection. With designs that reimagine mythological narratives and timeless motifs, it offers a fascinating look at how fashion designers draw from artistic heritage to create bold, contemporary expressions.

• Louvre Museum
• January 24 to July 21, 2025
• Information…

Paris Museum Exhibitions: Musée d'Orsay 2025

Musée d'Orsay from the Seine, photo by Mark Craft

A former Belle époque train station, the Musée d'Orsay today stands as the world's preeminent museum of Impressionism and 19th-century art. Its transformation in the mid-1980s gave a fitting home to the masters of light and color, from Monet and Degas to Renoir and Van Gogh.

A recent refresh of the museum's layout and color palette allows these iconic works to shine even brighter, offering a vivid journey through a pivotal era in art history. In 2025, step inside and explore a curated path through the beauty, innovation, and timelessness of these masterpieces.

Drawing Cathedrals: Art & Architecture of the 19th Century

Gustave Caillebotte (1848-1894), famous for his masculine subjects, changed art history's perspective on 19th-century masculinity. He introduced new subjects into his art — from housepainters to sportsmen to male nudes. Caillebotte's bold art bridged the gap between Impressionism and Modernism.

• Musée d'Orsay
• Ends March 02
• Information…

Art and the Street: A Creative Intersection

The dynamic relationship between art and urban life takes center stage, examining how streets inspire artistic expression. From Impressionist depictions of bustling Parisian avenues to contemporary street art, the exhibition highlights the transformative power of public spaces. It's a celebration of how artists reinterpret the energy and culture of city streets.

• Musée d'Orsay
• March 18 to July 06, 2025
• Information…

Christian Krohg: The People of the North

The artistry of Christian Krohg shines through his depictions of life in the Nordic regions. With a focus on social realism, his works capture the daily lives of fishermen, laborers, and families. Through expressive brushstrokes and evocative scenes, the exhibition offers a poignant look at the struggles and resilience of northern communities.

• Musée d'Orsay
• March 25 to July 27, 2025
• Information…

Lucas Arruda: Horizons of Imagination

Lucas Arruda's landscapes invite viewers to experience Paris museum exhibitions in a whole new way. With delicate textures and luminous tones, his works transcend physical spaces to evoke introspection and wonder. This exhibition showcases his ability to transform horizons into profound meditative experiences, making it a highlight of the city's artistic offerings.

• Musée d'Orsay
• March 25 to July 27, 2025
• Information…

Paris Museum Exhibitions: Centre Pompidou

Centre Pompidou with its infamous inside-out design

Since its bold opening in 1977, and its early-21st-century makeover, Centre Pompidou has been a hub for modern and contemporary art. This year promises yet another dynamic series of exhibitions that continue to push the boundaries of artistic expression.

The museum is slated for another multi-year closure and building upgrade, beginning in September 2025, for asbestos removal and a major building upgrade. During the closure the museum's artworks will be relocated elsewhere in Paris and France. Reopening is scheduled for 2023, but experience with other major renovation projects in Paris make us think that may stretch out another year or two! Whatever happens with the reno, act now to experience Centre Pompidou's Paris museum exhibitions and its vibrant permanent collection.

Chagall – Drawings, Ceramics And Sculptures, 1945-1970

The colorful exhibition brings together dazzling drawings, ceramics and sculptures by Marc Chagall including costume drawings for Igor Stravinsky's ballet, The Firebird.

• Centre Pompidou
• Ends February 26, 2025
• Information…

The Bold Artistry of Suzanne Valadon

Suzanne Valadon's work is a testament to her defiance of artistic norms. From vibrant self-portraits to intimate depictions of everyday life, her paintings reveal a fearless approach to subject matter and composition. The exhibition highlights her legacy as a pioneering force in modern art.

• Centre Pompidou
• Ends May 26, 2025
• Information…

Hans Hollein: The Art of Postmodern Architecture

Hans Hollein's visionary work redefined architecture, blending art, design, and postmodernist ideals. From his trademarked colonnaded facade for the Strada Novissima to conceptual designs shaped by movements like radical architecture, the exhibition showcases Hollein's innovative approach. Spanning over five decades, his creations reflect a dynamic dialogue between architecture and artistic expression.

• Centre Pompidou
• March 05 to June 02, 2025
• Information…

Paris Noir: Art & Anticolonial Resistance

As one of the season's most powerful Paris museum exhibitions, Paris Noir brings together 150 African and Afro-descendant artists whose works shaped France's cultural and political history from the 1950s to the 2000s. Through art inspired by African independence and anti-apartheid movements, the exhibition underscores Paris's role as a global center for transcultural creativity and resistance.

• Centre Pompidou
• March 19 to June 30, 2025
• Information…

Paris Exhibitions: Musée du Quai Branly 2025

Color blocking at Musée du Quai Branly

Musée du Quai Branly, opened in 2006, offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse cultures of the world, focusing on Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Unlike the more classical institutions in Paris, this museum takes a broader approach, examining the shared human experience through art, artifacts, and cultural expression from across the globe.

Located just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, it feels both modern and grounded, a space where history and contemporary design intersect. Architect Jean Nouvel, known for his daring structures, designed the museum with a vision that steps away from the traditional.

Rather than grand staircases or manicured lawns, Quai Branly is surrounded by a lush, natural garden that feels untamed and alive. Small landscapes featuring native French plants create an organic setting, in harmony with the museum's mission of exploring the beauty and complexity of world cultures. Let's take a look at its Paris museum exhibitions for 2025 and beyond.

Zombies! Death Is Not The End

Forget what you think you know about zombies! This exhibition delves into the origins of zombies, a term that once referred to a spirit or apparition from Africa. As it made its way across the Atlantic, the concept evolved by combining African, Caribbean, and Catholic traditions.

• Musée du Quai Branly
• Ends February 16, 2025
• Information…

Wayang Kulit – Shadow Theater from Java & Bali

Between shadow and light, this exhibition deciphers wayang kulit, one of the oldest and most popular theatrical traditions in Indonesia.

• Musée du Quai Branly
• Ends March 23, 2025
• Information…

Taro Okamoto – Japan Reinvented

This exhibition highlights Taro Okamoto (1911-1996) a central figure of the Japanese avant-garde art movement. Famous for his bold paintings, sculptures and murals, he studied in Paris at the Sorbonne in the 1930s.

• Musée du Quai Branly
• April 15 to September 7, 2025
• Information…

Petit Palais Exhibitions 2025

The Petit Palais, photo by Mark Craft

For a museum experience on a more intimate scale, the Petit Palais offers a fascinating visit. Tucked in across from the grander Grand Palais, this gem on Avenue Winston Churchill houses the Fine Arts Museum of Paris.

Built for the 1900 Universal Expo, the Petit Palais is a stunning blend of Beaux-Arts architecture and art collections that span centuries. Its charming courtyard and peaceful café invite visitors to linger, offering a moment of tranquility amidst the hustle of central Paris. Admission to the permanent collection is free, making it a must-stop during your explorations.

Jewelry Designs – The Secrets of Creation

At Dessins de Bijoux, the world of jewelry design unfolds through an extraordinary collection of sketches and design concepts. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see the initial stages of crafting iconic pieces, showcasing the skill and creativity of renowned jewelers. These intricate drawings reveal the vision and precision required to bring extraordinary ornaments to life.

Visitors are invited to explore the creative journey behind high jewelry, tracing how artistic inspirations materialize into stunning works of wearable art. With designs that bridge art and craftsmanship, Dessins de Bijoux celebrates the mastery of jewelers and their ability to blend delicate artistry with technical brilliance.

• Petit Palais
• April 1 to July 20, 2025
• Information…

The Paris of Modernity

The Modern Age (1905 to 1925) was a period when Paris exploded with an artistic and cultural energy that continues to dazzle us today. This exhibition explores fashion, cinema, photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, design, and architecture from this pivotal era in the history of Paris.

• Petit Palais
• Ends April 14, 2025
• Information…

Wild Sweden

Discover the art of Bruno Liljefors (1860-1939) with one hundred of his paintings sourced from the National Museum of Stockholm and the Gothenburg. Liljefors often depicted Swedish wildlife from fox families, hares, ospreys, to eiders in natural settings.

• Petit Palais
• Ends February 16, 2025
• Information…

Musée Picasso 2025

Musée Picasso, photo from Musée Picasso by Fabien Campoverde

The Musée Picasso is a jewel of the Marais, set in the historic and grand Hotel Salé. There are over 5,000 works that cover Picasso's paintings, sculptures, engravings, drawings, studies, drafts, notebooks, etchings and letters.

The museum's collection is displayed in a way that let's you view Picasso's life and work chronologically. Perhaps most interesting is the display of the work by other artists that Picasso himself collected. If you are a Picasso fan, this is a must-see destination in Paris.

La Collection – Revoir Picasso

In 2014 Pablo Picasso's most important public collection was permanently installed in the lavish setting of the Hôtel Salé, a mansion in the Marais. A decade later, the museum is paying homage with a three-year retrospective starting with a tribute to Françoise Gilot. Beyond her famous book, Living with Picasso, published in 1965, Gilot's career spanned from Réalités nouvelles to her large compositions of the emblematic paintings of the 1980s.

• Musée Picasso
• Ends March 12, 2027
• Information…

Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris

Detail, La Fée Electricité by Raoul Dufy, photo by Mark Craft

The Paris Museum of Modern Art is a treasure trove of 20th and 21st-century creativity, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of modern and contemporary art. Located in the iconic Palais de Tokyo, the museum is home to over 15,000 works that highlight key artistic movements, from Fauvism to abstract art. Its permanent collection features masterpieces by Picasso, Braque, Delaunay, and Bonnard, making it an essential stop for art lovers.

The museum's spacious galleries provide the perfect setting to appreciate the diverse exhibits — ranging from paintings and sculptures to photography and multimedia — and its Paris museum exhibitions. With free access to its permanent collection, this cultural landmark invites art enthusiasts to experience Paris's dedication to modern art.

Gabriele Münter – Painting Without Detours

Gabriele Münter's art is a vivid dialogue between color and emotion, tradition and innovation. As an early member of the Blaue Reiter movement, her work broke boundaries and embraced the transformative power of modernism. From evocative landscapes to intimate interiors, her legacy as a pioneer of early 20th-century art continues to inspire.

• Paris Museum of Modern Art
• April 4 to August 24, 2025
• Information…

The Atomic Age: Art and Impact

Explore the profound influence of the atomic era on 20th-century art in this thought-provoking exhibition. Featuring works by artists like Pollock and Kandinsky, the collection examines the intersection of creativity, science, and societal transformation. It's a compelling journey into how artists responded to a world shaped by nuclear power and uncertainty

• Paris Museum of Modern Art
• Ends February 9, 2025
• Information…

Pierre Bonnard: The Colors of Memory

Celebrate Pierre Bonnard's mastery of color and light, and intimate depictions of everyday life. Through vibrant compositions and brushwork, Bonnard captured fleeting moments with emotional depth. A stunning tribute and one of the mot important things to do in Paris this month.
• Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris

• Paris Museum of Modern Art
• Ends March 02, 2025
• Information…

Gabriele Münter – Painting Without Detours

Gabriele Münter's work captures the transition from traditional techniques to modern expression. Her vivid colors, bold forms, and unique perspective on everyday scenes played a critical role in shaping early Expressionism. This exhibition highlights her influence and examines her contributions to the development of modern art.

• Paris Museum of Modern Art
• April 4 to August 24, 2025
• Information…

Musée de l'Orangerie 2025

At Musée de l'Orangerie, photo by Mark Craft

Tucked into the Jardin des Tuileries right at the Place de la Concorde, the 1852 stone structure facing the Seine was once the greenhouse that helped to nurture orange trees for the garden. (There's also an orangerie in the Jardin du Luxembourg, and it's still used to store plants during the winter.)

Now, the former orangerie has become the permanent home of Monet's stellar waterlily murals. Two large, purpose-built, ovals rooms display these heroic works of are. But, the Orangerie Museum also has more artistic surprises on display, including this year's exhibitions.

Amélie Bertrand

Born in 1985, Amélie Bertrand became famous immediately after graduating from the Ecole Beaux-Arts in Marseille. In 2022, she collaborated with Louis Vuitton to create the limited edition Artycapucines collection. Her art explores surrealist motifs that are as equally enticing as they are disconcerting.

• Musée de l'Orangerie
• Ends January 27, 2025
• Information…

A Dealer & His Collection

Heinz Berggruen, a German-born art collector and dealer, built an exceptional collection of 20th century masters. This exhibition explores his relationship with the artists he represented and his cultural network in post-war Paris. Features works by Picasso, Klee, Matisse & Giacometti.

• Musée de l'Orangerie
• Ends January 27, 2025
• Information…

David Claerbout at His Best

David Claerbout's pieces are as much about the experience as the image. His work invites you to linger, where time feels stretched and details take on new meaning. This exhibition features his captivating mix of video and photography, blurring boundaries and creating an introspective space for reflection and discovery. .

• Musée de l'Orangerie
• March 12 to June 09, 2025
• Information…

Expanding the Horizons of Art

Out of Focus celebrates the ways artists have stretched the boundaries of creativity since 1945. Through abstraction, reinvention, and experimentation, the works challenge conventional aesthetics. The exhibition provides a compelling exploration of how art has responded to societal changes, transforming how we see and understand the world.

• Musée de l'Orangerie
• April 30 to August 18, 2025
• Information…

Musée Marmottan-Monet

If, like us, you love Claude Monet and the whole Impressionist movement in art, you won't want to miss Musée Marmottan-Monet in the 16th Arrondissement. (Its name is a clue!) Set at the foot of charming Parc Ranlegh in the posh neighborhood of Passy, this museum contains the largest collection of Monet paintings in the world.

The existing museum was the beneficiary of the estate of Michel Monet, Claude's son. He left his father's art to the state of France at the time of his death in 1966 — including the iconic Impression: Sunrise, the painting that gave the movement its name — instantaneously turning Musée Marmottan into the world's greatest Claude Monet museum.

Trompe-l'Oeil From 1520 To The Present

This exhibition explores the evolution of trompe-l'oeil, which means "to deceive the eye" by creating the illusion of three-dimensionality in a painting. It pays homage to a lesser-explored aspect of the museum's collection, highlighting the fondness of Jules and Paul Marmottan for this genre of painting.

• Musée Marmottan-Monet
• Ends March 2, 2025
• Information…

Eugene Boudin: The Father Of Impressionism

Eugene Boudin is celebrated as a trailblazer who brought the outdoors to life on canvas, paving the way for the Impressionists. His ability to capture the interplay of light and atmosphere was revolutionary, inspiring the likes of Monet. Through his seascapes and market scenes, Boudin elevated the everyday, revealing the sublime in ordinary moments.

Among the must-see Paris museum exhibitions, this showcase of Eugene Boudin's work traces the artist's journey from his early studies to his later masterpieces. Visitors can explore the profound influence Boudin had on Impressionism and gain insight into how his work continues to inspire modern art.

• Musée Marmatton Monet
• April 9 to August 31, 2005
• Information…

Musée Carnavalet

Musée Carnavalet, photo Musée Carnavalet

Reopened after a meticulous five-year renovation, the Musée Carnavalet, dedicated to the history of Paris, is a treasure trove of stories and artifacts that trace the city's evolution. Chief architect François Châtillon led the revitalization, bringing modern accessibility to its grand halls while preserving the museum's historical charm.

With newly installed lifts and ramps, reimagined displays, and digital touch-points, the museum welcomes a new generation of visitors. Entrance to the permanent collection remains free, offering a rich glimpse into the past without breaking the bank.

Paris Through Varda's Eyes

Few Paris museum exhibitions offer as personal a connection to the city as Paris Through Varda's Eyes. This tribute to Agnès Varda combines photography, film clips, and personal items, immersing visitors in the filmmaker's creative world. The exhibition reveals how Paris shaped her artistic vision, offering an intimate exploration of her enduring legacy.

• Musée Carnavalet
• April 9 to August 31, 2005
• Information…

Musée de la Vie Romantique

Once you've spent time at the big museums of Paris, you're going to want to get off the tourist track to take in one of the relaxing, charming, and romantic museums of Paris. Musée de la Vie Romantique, named for the Romantic Movement of the early 19th century is one of those.

However, Musée de la Vie Romantique is closed for renovation until some time in 2026. Visit its website for updates and news about future exhibitions.

Maison de Victor Hugo

Place des Vosges, photo by Mark Craft

In a 17th-century townhouse on classic Place des Vosges is the Paris home of novelist Victor Hugo, now a museum of his life and work. La Maison has recently been renovated and now sports added space, restored treasures, and new acquisitions. The upgrades also include a tea room and a small garden to relax in. Definitely a treasure among the small museums of Paris. Visit the website for exhibition updates…

Other Museums

David Hockney at Fondation Louis Vuitton

This David Hockney retrospective is a vibrant celebration of one of the most influential artists of our time. From bold landscapes to intimate portraits, the exhibition brings together works that highlight his boundless creativity and innovation. With a career spanning decades, Hockney's art continues to inspire and captivate, offering a glimpse into his unique perspective on the world.
• Fondation Louis Vuitton
• April 9, 2025 to January 9, 2026
• Information…

Pioneers of Vietnamese Modernism

The works of Le Pho, Mai Thu, and Vu Cao Dam reflect a harmonious fusion of Vietnamese artistry and European modernism. From delicate brushwork to bold imagery, their art bridges two worlds, celebrating tradition while embracing innovation. The exhibition presents a vivid exploration of their contributions to modern Vietnamese art in France.

• Musée Cernuschi
• Ends March 09, 2025
• Information…

Department Stores: Icons of Modernity

From elegant facades to innovative interiors, the exhibition examines the architectural and cultural impact of department stores. Showcasing their evolution as spaces of luxury and accessibility, it reveals how these landmarks reshaped shopping and became symbols of progress in urban environments.

• Cité de l'Architecture
• Ends April 06, 2025
• Information…

Alfred Dreyfus: Truth and Justice

The exhibition examines the Dreyfus Affair, a pivotal moment in French history that shaped public discourse on justice and anti-Semitism. Through documents, artworks, and artifacts, it highlights the profound impact of the case on politics, society, and human rights, offering a compelling narrative of resilience and the fight for truth. At the Paris Jewish museum.

• Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaïsm
• March 13 to August 31, 2025
• Information…

Architectural Marvels of Retail

Department stores revolutionized urban landscapes, blending architectural innovation with consumer culture. The exhibition explores their rise, from 19th-century beginnings to modern emblems of style and functionality, showcasing how these popular spaces transformed the shopping experience and influenced urban design.

• Cité de l'Architecture
• Ends April 06, 2025
• Information…

Déserts – Life in the Sands

The Deserts exhibition offers an in-depth look at the ecosystems, survival strategies, and biodiversity of some of the most extreme environments on Earth. From adaptive wildlife to resilient plants, the display highlights the delicate balance that sustains life in arid regions.

• Natural History Museum
• April 2 to November 30
• Information…