The 10 Must-See Art Exhibitions in Paris this Summer

Meilleures Expositions Ete

Summer, synonymous with leisure and scorching heat, provides the perfect excuse to explore major exhibitions in the capital's grand museums while enjoying some cool respite and cultural enrichment. Here's a rundown of the hottest art exhibitions of the moment.

The most Rose + Jack

Reality meets fiction as the Parc des Expositions hosts an exhibition dedicated to the Titanic, featuring hundreds of exclusive objects, most of which were brought back by P.H. Nargeolet, a diver who perished during the Titan expedition a month ago.

This immersive exhibition, in collaboration with RMS Titanic, the American company with a monopoly on expeditions to the wreck, contains not only objects but also passenger stories and a genuine iceberg to touch, all within an exceptional reconstruction of the ship's main rooms. Of course, you'll want to stop by the gift shop to take home a Titanic mug or a (replica) version of the Heart of the Ocean necklace. Are we fans? Absolutely!

Titanic, vrais objets, vraies histoires until September 10th at Paris Expo, Pavillon 5.1, Place de la Porte de Versailles, Paris 15. Information and reservations online.

THE MOST PRECISE

Just a stone's throw away from the stunning view of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro, Palais de Tokyo, the trendiest of museums, returns this season with a fantastic selection of exhibitions to brighten up the summer. Explore the introspective creations of Laura Lamiel in "Do You Hear Them?", the bewildering installations by the Brussels duo "mountaincutters," the sublime works of Marie-Claire Messouma Manlanbien, and an exhibition on graffiti titled "The Termites' Bite." Don't forget to take a sweet break at Bambini, the Italian cantina attached to the museum.

Summer Season until September 10th at Palais de Tokyo, 13 Avenue du Président Wilson, Paris 16. Phone: 01 81 97 35 88. Information and reservations online.
© Aurélien Mole

The most fascinating

It's the event exhibition at La Villette that enthralls history enthusiasts and Indiana Jones fans alike. With immersive scenography, you can discover over 180 pieces (jewelry, statues, sphinxes, hieroglyphics...) from the kingdom of the most famous pharaoh, some of which have never left Egypt. The highlight: Ramses II's actual sarcophagus. Wow!

Ramses et l’Or des Pharaons until September 6th at Grande Halle de la Villette, 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, Paris 19. Phone: 01 40 03 75 75. Reservations online.
© Yvan Lebert

THE GLAMOUREST

Jeu de Paume currently hosts the largest retrospective of photographer Frank Horvat since his passing in 2020. The exhibition presents 170 exclusive black and white prints to the public, including iconic photos taken for Harper’s Bazaar and featuring people like Agnès Varda, Iris Bianchi, Déborah Dixon, and even Monique Dutto in an evening gown at the metro exit. An exhibition that truly inspires one to pick up the camera...

Frank Horvat. Paris, le monde, la mode, until September 17th at Jeu de Paume, 1 Place de la Concorde, Jardin des Tuileries, Paris 1. Information and reservations online.        
© Franck Horvat

THE MOST COQUETTE

Do you know the remarkable story of Sarah Bernhardt, a versatile actress, director of the current Théâtre de la Ville, and even an advertising icon? This true icon is the subject of an exhibition at Petit Palais, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary life of a woman who left a mark on her era. The program includes photographs, paintings, objects, and stage costumes of the talented actress who conquered the Comédie-Française and went international!

Sarah Bernhardt et la femme créa la star, until August 27th at Petit Palais, Avenue Winston Churchill, Paris 8. Phone: 01 53 43 40 00. Information and reservations online.
© Bibliothèque historique de la Ville de Paris, Roger-Viollet and © Paris Musées / Petit Palais.

THE MOST QUEER-FRIENDLY

The contemporary art headquarters currently presents an exhibition that counters pinkwashing and ordinary homophobia by bringing together over 500 queer artworks from the Centre Pompidou's collections to showcase the importance of art in LGBTQIA+ struggles, with an absolutely essential historical context. And for audiophiles, get ready to chill out on the rooftop with comfortable bean bags while listening to podcasts carefully curated by the museum (information here). A dream come true!

"Over the Rainbow" until November 13th at Centre Pompidou, Place Georges-Pompidou, Paris 4. Phone: 01 44 78 12 33. Information and reservations online.
Photo © Centre Pompidou, MNAM-CCI/Dist. RMN-GP

The most interactive

Have you ever imagined stepping inside the colorful works of Alphonse Mucha, the Czech painter known for his sublime representations of the Roaring Twenties' aesthetics? This dream becomes a reality in an immersive exhibition where the master's works are projected onto the walls and floors of the Grand Palais Immersif. Added to that is an array of interactive activities that make the experience simply extraordinary.

Eternel Mucha until November 5th at Grand Palais Immersif, 110 Rue de Lyon, Paris 12. Phone: 01 40 13 48 00. Information and reservations online. © Metrochrome for GPI

THE MOST ESTONISHING

Korea has invaded our beauty routines, playlists (#Kpop), and Instagram feeds with a myriad of tempting food and travel content. At the height of its glory, Busan, one of its cities, is on track to host the 2025 World Expo. The Korean Cultural Center couldn't miss the opportunity to showcase objects and works from this southern city, exploring the first port city of Korea. As a bonus, on the upper floor, you'll find an immersive mapping exhibition and NFT artworks, offering a journey through tradition and modernity in the city.

Frétillante Busan, le monde à portée de flot, until September 16th at the Korean Cultural Center, 20 Rue la Boétie, Paris 8. Phone: 01 47 20 84 15. Free exhibition, information and reservations (highly recommended) online.
© Image today

THE MOST GRRRR...

Unleash the wildcat within you; this exhibition will make you roar! The Grande Galerie de l'Evolution introduces 38 species of felines, ranging from classic cats, lions, and tigers to more unique ones like manuls, colocolos, and margays. In this exhibition, you'll observe the graceful bodies of these sometimes exotic animals while learning more about their connection with humans and their mythological and even sacred dimensions. And while you're at it, take advantage of your ticket to stroll through the absolutely magnificent Jardin des Plantes during summer!

Felins until January 7th at the Grande Galerie de l'Evolution, Jardin des Plantes, 36 Rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire, Paris 5. Phone: 01 40 79 54 79. Information and reservations online.
© JC Domenech

THE MOST FASHIONABLE

The favorite fashion beasts' museum is currently presenting an exhibition that showcases the most geometric pieces of the renowned fashion designer, along with an original scenography complemented by the works of the German artist Claudia Wieser. By showcasing Yves Saint Laurent's clothing, accessories, and sketches in a distinctly '80s setting, the exhibition immerses us in a period characterized by round or boldly angular shapes and ultra-pop colors.

Shapes - Sets and Works by Claudia Wieser until January 14th at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, 5 Avenue Marceau, Paris 16. Information and reservations online.           
© Guy Marineau

Also, discover the extraordinary Edgar Degas exhibition and embark on a journey to Brazil at the marvelous Albert-Kahn Museum.

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