In 2024, Paris is hosting not only the Olympic Games, but also a series of exceptional exhibitions that will delight art and culture lovers. Starting this spring, iconic museums such as the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Centre Pompidou will unveil fascinating exhibitions. For example, the Louvre presents "Olympism: modern invention, ancient heritage", exploring the history of the Olympic Games from antiquity to the present day. Similarly, the Musée d'Orsay presents "Paris 1874, inventing Impressionism", highlighting 130 works by the pioneers of Impressionism. In addition, the Centre Pompidou pays tribute to Constantin Brancusi with a vast retrospective of his works. These cultural events, combined with the excitement of the Games, promise to make Paris the must-see destination of summer 2024. Also check out our guide to everything you need to know about the Paris 2024 Olympic Games!
1- "Olympism: modern invention, ancient heritage" at the Louvre
The Louvre is celebrating the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris with one of its exhibitions: "Olympism: modern invention, ancient heritage". This exhibition immerses visitors in the history of the Games, from their ancient origins in Greece to their modern renaissance in 1896. It highlights key figures such as Pierre de Coubertin, initiator of the modern Games, and Michel Bréal, creator of the first marathon. Through artifacts such as the Bréal Cup, the Louvre explores how these competitions have captured the imagination through the ages. Combining history, art and archaeology, this exhibition offers an in-depth look at the cultural and political impact of the Olympic Games.
Book your E-ticket for the Louvre here!
2- "Paris 1874, inventing Impressionism" at the Musée d'Orsay
The Musée d'Orsay celebrates the pioneers of Impressionism with the exhibition "Paris 1874, inventing Impressionism". This exhibition retraces the history of this revolutionary artistic movement, born in April 1874 in Nadar's salon. It brings together 130 works by masters such as Monet, Renoir, Degas and Cézanne. Visitors can admire how these artists challenged the academic realism of the time to create a new form of visual expression. By placing these works in their historical context, the exhibition offers a fascinating insight into the birth of Impressionism and its lasting impact on modern art.
Book your Musée d'Orsay ticket here!
3- "Brancusi: l'art ne fait que que commencer" at the Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou honors Constantin Brancusi with another of its exhibitions, available during the Olympic Games in Paris, the "Brancusi: l'art commence seulement" exhibition. This major retrospective brings together over 200 works, including sculptures, photographs, drawings and films by the artist. Brancusi, considered a pioneer of modern sculpture, left his mark on the 20th century with his pure forms and minimalist lines. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to discover Brancusi's artistic evolution, from his earliest works to his most iconic creations. Before the Centre Pompidou closes for renovation in 2025, this exhibition is the ultimate tribute to this visionary artist.
Book your ticket here for access to the center's permanent collection and a current exhibition!
4- "Egypt of the Pharaohs: from Khéops to Ramsès II" at Atelier des Lumières
L'Atelier des Lumières offers a spectacular immersion with the exhibition "Egypt of the Pharaohs: from Khéops to Ramsès II". From February 9, 2024, visitors can plunge into the heart of ancient Egypt through monumental projections of iconic pyramids, temples and tombs such as those at Luxor and Abu Simbel. This digital exhibition recreates the architectural treasures and sumptuous landscapes of this fascinating civilization, using advanced projection technologies to deliver an immersive, never-before-seen visual experience. Pharaonic works are revealed in a new light, allowing visitors to rediscover the history and grandeur of ancient Egypt.
Book your ticket to the Atelier des Lumières here!
5- "The birth of department stores" at MAD and Cité de l'Architecture
The "Birth of Department Stores" exhibition is being held at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD) and the Cité de l'Architecture in two phases. From April 10, 2024, the MADexplores the social and commercial impact of Parisian department stores such as Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marché, examining their marketing and communications strategies. Then, from October 16, 2024, the Cité de l'Architecture highlights the distinctive architecture of these temples to consumerism, illustrating their unique functionality and beauty. Visitors can discover how these institutions have transformed Parisian shopping practices and urban planning, offering a comprehensive perspective on their cultural and historical role.
Book your special ticket for the Cité de l'Architecture here!
6- "Metal" at the Philharmonie de Paris
The "Metal" exhibition at the Philharmonie de Paris offers an immersive exploration of the world of metal, from its origins to its contemporary cultural impact. From April 4, 2024, this exhibition traces the evolution of the musical genre, focusing on its links with pop culture, anthropology and contemporary art. Visitors can discover objects, excerpts and interactive installations that depict the richness and diversity of this often stereotyped movement . By examining metal's influences and sub-genres, the exhibition reveals how this musical genre has shaped and been shaped by social and cultural phenomena. This unprecedented dive into the world of metal promises a unique educational and sensory experience.
7- "Eva Jospin" at the Château de Versailles
The "Eva Jospin, La Chambre de Soie" exhibition at the Château de Versailles offers a unique immersive artistic experience from June 18, 2024. This monumental 350-square-meter installation has been created in collaboration with Mumbai's Chanakya School of Crafts. Inspired by French gardens and Virginia Woolf's feminist manifesto, Jospin's work uses intricate embroidery to recreate lush, detailed landscapes. Located in the château's orangery, the exhibition plunges visitors into a world where contemporary art dialogues with the classical architecture of Versailles. This ambitious project highlights Jospin's talent and innovation, while paying homage to traditional craftsmanship and nature.
Book your ticket with exclusive tour of the King's apartmentsor your round-trip transportation from Paris !
8- "Transparences, le pouvoir des matières" at the Musée Yves Saint Laurent
The "Transparences, le pouvoir des matériaux" exhibition at the Musée Yves Saint Laurent celebrates the innovation and audacity of the famous French couturier. From February 9, 2024, visitors can admire more than 40 iconic creations featuring the use of transparent materials such as chiffon, lace and tulle. The exhibition includes landmark pieces such as the topless blouse and the black dress belted with ostrich feathers, illustrating Saint Laurent's modern, liberated vision of the woman. In addition to the clothes, sketches, Goya-inspired drawings and a unique collection of hats, jewelry and shoes complete this retrospective. The exhibition offers an immersion into Saint Laurent's poetic and innovative language, revealing his sources of inspiration and creative process.
Book your yves Saint Laurent Museum ticket !
9- "The world as it is" at the Bourse de Commerce
Among the various exhibitions during the Olympic Games period in Paris, the "Le monde comme il va" exhibition at the Bourse de Commerce presentsa selection of contemporary works from the Pinault collection, exploring artistic visions of current events and the modern world. From March 20, 2024, visitors can discover a variety of pieces dating from the 1980s to the present day, reflecting contemporary artists' perspectives on social, political and environmental themes. Among the highlights is Kimsooja's mirror installation in the Rotonde, offering an inverted view of the museum and the works on display. This immersive exhibition invites the public to reflect on the complexity and diversity of the contemporary world through the prism of art.
Discover the Pinault collection by reserving your day ticket !
10- "Surrealism: The Centenary Exhibition" at the Centre Pompidou
To celebrate the centenary of the Surrealist movement, the Centre Pompidou is organizing "Surrealisme: L'exposition du centenaire". Starting in 2024, this exhibition offers a comprehensive retrospective of Surrealism, highlighting the works of iconic artists such as Magritte, Man Ray and Dalí, while also giving a significant place to women artists such as Toyen, Leonora Carrington and Dora Maar. Exploring themes of the unconscious, dreams and irrationality, the exhibition immerses visitors in the poetic and subversive world of Surrealism. This artistic journey promises to rediscover the great figures of the movement as well as lesser-known talents, celebrating the enduring influence of this avant-garde on contemporary art.
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What exhibitions to see in Paris in August 2024?
- Jean Hélion: La prose du monde at the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris (until August 18, 2024). This retrospective explores Hélion's diverse oeuvre, including still lifes, landscapes and allegories, revealing his unique artistic journey.
- Présences arabes - Art moderne et décolonisation at the Musée d'Art Moderne, Paris (until August 25, 2024). This exhibition features over 200 works, many of them previously unseen in France, and explores 20th-century Arab modernism through paintings, sculptures and photographs.
- Matisse, L'Atelier rouge at the Fondation Louis Vuitton (until September 9, 2024). Discover the genesis and history of Matisse's masterpiece, offering an insight into his creative process and his impact on modern art.
Which painting exhibition to visit in Paris?
"Matisse, L'Atelier rouge" at the Fondation Louis Vuitton :
- Dates: Until September 9, 2024
- Description: This exhibition explores the genesis and history of Matisse's famous painting, "L'Atelier rouge", offering a unique insight into his creative process and his influence on modern art.
"Jean Hélion: La prose du monde" at the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris :
- Dates: Until August 18, 2024
- Description: A retrospective dedicated to the diverse work of Jean Hélion, including still lifes, landscapes and allegories, revealing his unique artistic career and his impact on modern art.
"Présences arabes - Art moderne et décolonisation" at the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris :
- Dates: Until August 25, 2024
- Description: Over 200 works, many of them previously unseen in France, explore 20th-century Arab modernism through paintings, sculptures and photographs.
What free exhibitions are there in Paris?
"Notre-Dame de Paris: au cœur du chantier":
- Location: Under the forecourt of Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Description: This free exhibition gives an insight into the work of craftsmen and craftswomen on the cathedral's reconstruction site, offering a unique glimpse into the efforts deployed to restore this emblematic monument.
"We are here ":
- Location: Petit Palais
- Description: A free urban art exhibition that integrates contemporary works into the collections of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, offering a modern and dynamic perspective on urban art.
"OR NORME ":
- Venue: Maison Guerlain, 68 Champs-Élysées
- Dates: Until September 12, 2024
- Description: This free photo exhibition explores the link between the Maison Guerlain and gold, with works by sixteen artists transforming the house into a golden temple
