Paris is always a hub for stunning art exhibitions, and 2024 will be no different, with a packed lineup of must-see displays that will captivate art lovers from all over the world. Whether you’re passionate about classical art or modern movements, the city offers a wide range of exhibitions that promise to inspire. Here are some of the top art exhibitions to explore in Paris this year.
1. The Orientalists at Atelier des Lumières (February 9, 2024 – January 5, 2025)
Atelier des Lumières is hosting an immersive exhibition delving into the allure and mystery of the East. This collection features iconic works from artists like Ingres, Delacroix, and Vernet, offering a deep dive into the artistic interpretations of the Orient.
2. Egyptian Pharaohs at Atelier des Lumières (February 9, 2024 – January 5, 2025)
Returning to Atelier des Lumières, this exhibition takes visitors on a fascinating journey into the heart of Ancient Egypt. Explore the legacy of powerful pharaohs such as Khéops and Ramsès II through a mesmerizing, immersive experience.
3. Brancusi: A Retrospective at Centre Pompidou (March 27 – July 1, 2024)
A major retrospective at the Centre Pompidou will highlight the innovative works of Constantin Brancusi, the sculptor renowned for his contributions to modern art. Featuring over 200 pieces, including sculptures, drawings, and photographs, this exhibition is a tribute to his revolutionary creative vision.
4. Paris 1874: Inventing Impressionism at Musée d’Orsay (March 26 – July 14, 2024)
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the first Impressionist exhibition, this show at the Musée d’Orsay offers a comprehensive look at the birth of a movement that changed the course of art history. Featuring works by 31 artists, this exhibition shines a light on the evolution of Impressionism through more than 130 masterpieces.
5. Tina Modotti: The Eye of Revolution at Jeu de Paume (February 13 – May 26, 2024)
This exhibition at Jeu de Paume pays tribute to Tina Modotti, an Italian-born photographer and political activist. Modotti’s powerful images documenting the struggles of her time are featured alongside personal insights into her life, including her friendships with Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
6. Théodore Rousseau: The Voice of the Forest at Petit Palais (March 5 – July 7, 2024)
Théodore Rousseau, a pioneer of the French landscape movement, is the focus of this exhibition at the Petit Palais. Known for his depictions of the Forest of Fontainebleau and the village of Barbizon, Rousseau’s works laid the groundwork for the advent of Impressionism.
7. Auguste Herbin at Musée de Montmartre (March – September 15, 2024)
Auguste Herbin, a key figure in 20th-century art, will be featured in his first-ever retrospective at the Musée de Montmartre. Herbin’s work spans several major movements, including Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, and Abstract Art, and this exhibition tracks his artistic evolution.
8. Jan Van Eyck: The Virgin of Chancellor Rolin at the Louvre (March 20 – June 17, 2024)
The Louvre dedicates an exhibition to Jan Van Eyck’s masterpiece, The Virgin of Chancellor Rolin, following its recent restoration. This stunning piece reflects the interplay of tradition and innovation within 15th-century Flemish art.
9. Matisse: The Red Studio at Fondation Louis Vuitton (May 7 – September 9, 2024)
Henri Matisse’s iconic The Red Studio (1911) will be on display in a unique collaboration between the Fondation Louis Vuitton, MoMA, and Copenhagen’s SMK. This exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to experience one of Matisse’s most celebrated works.
10. Ellsworth Kelly: Shapes and Colors (1949-2015) at Fondation Louis Vuitton (May 7 – September 9, 2024)
Ellsworth Kelly, one of the leading figures in American abstraction, is the focus of this exhibition at Fondation Louis Vuitton. With around 100 pieces, this retrospective highlights his contribution to painting and sculpture over a career spanning more than seven decades.
11. Tania Mouraud: Dans les Vents de l’Oubli at Fluctuart (February 16 – April 28, 2024)
Tania Mouraud’s works will be showcased at Fluctuart, the floating urban art center along the Seine. This exhibition, titled Dans les Vents de l’Oubli (“In the Winds of Oblivion”), invites visitors to engage with the themes of memory and oblivion.
12. Inventing the Renaissance at BNF Richelieu (February – June, 2024)
Step back into 14th-century Italy and experience the transformative period of the Renaissance. This exhibition takes you through the dawn of humanism and its profound impact on the arts, culture, and society of Europe.
13. Annie Ernaux & Photography at Maison Européenne de la Photographie (February 28 – May 2, 2024)
In honor of Annie Ernaux’s 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature, the Maison Européenne de la Photographie is presenting a retrospective of her photographic work. This exhibit includes pieces from her book Exteriors (1993) alongside a selection of personal photographs.
14. Robert Ryman: The Act of Looking at Musée de l’Orangerie (March 6 – July 1, 2024)
Robert Ryman, one of the central figures in minimalism, is the subject of a major retrospective at Musée de l’Orangerie. Featuring his renowned conceptual works, this exhibition provides a deep dive into Ryman’s minimalist explorations of light and space.
15. Henry Cros at the Musée des Arts décoratifs (March 6 – May 26, 2024)
Discover the visionary work of sculptor and draftsman Henry Cros in this rare exhibition at the Musée des Arts décoratifs. Cros’ sculptures, which blend fine art and decorative craftsmanship, are sure to leave a lasting impression.
16. Let’s Play: Artists and Sports at Musée Marmottan-Monet (April 4 – September 1, 2024)
Coinciding with the Paris Olympic Games, the Musée Marmottan-Monet is hosting an exhibition that highlights how athletes have been depicted in art. This showcase celebrates the connection between sports and the visual arts.
17. Victor Hugo & Fencing at Maison de Victor Hugo (April 30 – September 15, 2024)
At the Maison de Victor Hugo, discover an unexpected side of the literary giant as you explore his surprising passion for fencing. This exhibition dives into Hugo’s life and his engagement with the sport.
18. Frida Kahlo: Viva La Vida at Grand Palais Immersive Exhibition Hall (September 18, 2024 – March 2, 2025)
Frida Kahlo returns to Paris with a new immersive exhibition titled Viva La Vida! at the Grand Palais. This exhibit offers a deep, original look into her life, career, and relationships with other famous artists, including excerpts from her personal diaries.
Paris’s art scene in 2024 is set to be a vibrant celebration of creativity, history, and innovation. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply someone looking for a cultural experience, these exhibitions promise to be unforgettable.
