Paris Spring 2026 Exhibition Season Features Major Retrospectives and Thematic Shows

Paris is hosting a significant exhibition season in the first half of 2026, featuring numerous major shows across multiple institutions. At the Grand Palais, a retrospective titled 'Matisse 1941–1954' focuses on Henri Matisse's later years, presenting over 300 works including cut-outs, paintings, and stained glass from collections like the Centre Pompidou and MoMA. The Jeu de Paume presents 'Martin Parr, Global Warning,' a career-spanning exhibition of 180 photographs curated by Quentin Bajac, examining themes of consumption and tourism. The Musée d'Orsay is showing two complementary exhibitions: 'Renoir et l'amour,' featuring about 50 paintings from 1865–1885, and 'Renoir dessinateur,' the first major display of the artist's works on paper since 1921. The Musée Jacquemart-André presents 'Splendeurs du baroque,' showcasing 45 Spanish Baroque paintings from the Hispanic Society of America. The Bourse de Commerce explores chiaroscuro in modern and contemporary art with works by artists like Sigmar Polke and Victor Man. The Musée de l'Orangerie offers 'Henri Rousseau. L'ambition de la peinture,' reassessing the artist's career with loans from the Barnes Foundation. The Musée du Luxembourg hosts a retrospective of surrealist Leonora Carrington, featuring 126 works. The Musée de Cluny examines the cultural history of unicorns in 'Licornes!,' displaying about 100 objects. The Musée de l'Homme presents 'Momies,' an exhibition on mummification practices with nine mummies. The Musée des Arts Décoratifs marks the Art Deco centenary with nearly 1,000 objects. The newly relocated Fondation Cartier opens with 'Exposition Générale,' surveying 40 years of its programming. The Palais de la Porte Dorée presents 'Migrations et climat,' linking human and animal migration to environmental changes.