As August 2026 approaches, Paris transforms into a hub of cultural exploration, presenting a rich tapestry of exhibitions designed to captivate diverse audiences. Whether you’re drawn to immersive cultural experiences, urban art, fashion, magic, music, contemporary painting, or medieval art, the City of Lights has something special in store for you. Some exhibitions offer free entry, while others require online reservations. Here’s our curated selection of the top 10 exhibitions to explore in Paris this August 2026.
Top 10 Exhibitions to Visit in Paris This August 2026
1. Passion Japan, The Immersive Exhibition
Until August 23, 2026, the ‘Passion Japan’ exhibition at the Espace Chapiteaux in Parc de la Villette offers a sensory journey into Japanese culture. Monumental projections, soundscapes, and visual creations recreate iconic Japanese landscapes, including temples, cherry blossoms, traditional arts, and contemporary worlds. This immersive format is suitable for all ages, including families with young children, with free admission for children under 3 (proof required).
- Dates: Until August 23, 2026
- Location: Espace Chapiteaux – Parc Villette, Paris
- Tickets: €17.90 to €37.90 (Open or Dated versions)
- Access: Metro Line 7, Corentin Cariou station (7-minute walk)
2. The World Of Banksy, The Artist’s Unique Universe
The World of Banksy at the Banksy Museum in Paris is an immersive street art exhibition, running until December 31, 2026. The exhibition recreates urban atmospheres and showcases murals inspired by the artist’s work. Please note: Banksy himself is not associated with this event. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday from 12 PM to 9 PM (last entry 8:15 PM), Saturday from 10 AM to 9 PM (last entry 8:15 PM), and Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM (last entry 6:15 PM). Ticket prices are not specified.
- Dates: Until December 31, 2026
- Location: The World Of Banksy / Banksy Museum, Paris
- Tickets: Not specified
3. Video Games & Music, The Music Where You Are the Hero
Until August 30, 2026, the Philharmonie de Paris – Cité de la Musique hosts the ‘Video Games & Music’ exhibition, focusing on video game soundtracks reimagined with a symphonic and scenographic approach. The exhibition highlights iconic game composers, blending gaming culture with orchestral music. Tickets are available from €17.
- Dates: Until August 30, 2026
- Location: Philharmonie de Paris – Cité de la musique, Paris
- Tickets: From €17
- Access: Metro Line 5, Porte de Pantin station (5-minute walk)
4. Gianni Versace Retrospective at Musée Maillol
The Musée Maillol presents the Gianni Versace Retrospective until October 31, 2026. This exhibition features nearly 450 pieces, including original silhouettes, accessories, sketches, photographs, and rare interviews. It traces Versace’s inspirations from his Calabrian roots to baroque iconography and Italian opera. This is the first major French retrospective dedicated to Gianni Versace since 1986. The museum is open daily from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM, with a late opening on Thursdays until 10 PM. Tickets are available from €18.90.
- Dates: Until October 31, 2026
- Location: Musée Maillol, Paris
- Tickets: From €18.90
- Access: Metro Line 12, Rue du Bac station
5. Beyond The Streets at Grande Halle de la Villette
The ‘Beyond The Streets’ exhibition at the Grande Halle de La Villette is open until August 30, 2026. This unique exhibition in France is entirely dedicated to graffiti, street art, and contemporary urban counter-cultures. The estimated visit duration is 1 hour 30 minutes. The exhibition is open Tuesday to Sunday: from 11 AM to 7 PM on weekdays, until 8 PM on Saturdays, and until 6 PM on Sundays. Standard tickets start from €21.50, with special rates for children aged 4 to 11 and a family rate available.
- Dates: Until August 30, 2026
- Location: Grande Halle de La Villette, Paris
- Tickets: From €21.50 (standard)
- Access: Metro Line 5, Porte de Pantin station (3-minute walk)
6. Magicians, Automata, and Other Machines at Musée de la Magie + Musée des Automates
Located in the historic cellars of the Marais, the Musée de la Magie in Paris offers a dual visit. The first part traces the history of illusionism through collections and shows animated by magician guides. The second, the Musée des Automates, features over 100 interactive machines that visitors can activate themselves. The venue is open Wednesday to Sunday. Tickets are available from €15, including skip-the-line access.
- Dates: Until December 31, 2026
- Location: Musée de la Magie, Paris
- Tickets: From €15
- Access: Metro Line 7, Sully-Morland station (5-minute walk)
7. Colors of Korea, The Exhibition for the 140th Anniversary of Franco-Korean Relations
The Korean Cultural Center, 20 rue La Boétie (Paris 8e), presents ‘Colors of Korea’ until August 29, 2026. This exhibition brings together 34 contemporary Korean artists, organized into four thematic sections: revisited traditions, nature and imagination, homage to modernist masters, and digital experiments. The exhibition uses Obangsaek, the five cardinal Korean colors, as a guiding principle. Entry is completely free, no ticket required. The center is open Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday from 2 PM to 6 PM.
- Dates: Until August 29, 2026
- Location: Korean Cultural Center, Paris
- Tickets: Free entry
- Access: Metro Lines 9 and 13, Miromesnil station
8. The Permanently Redesigned Permanent Collection at Musée de la Musique
The Permanent Collection of the Musée de la Musique at the Cité de la Musique is accessible until August 30, 2026. The entirely redesigned exhibition traces global musical history from the Renaissance to contemporary electronic experiments, with nearly 9,000 instruments and works on display. Musical cultures from Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas are represented. Entry is from €12.
- Dates: Until August 30, 2026
- Location: Cité de la Musique, Paris
- Tickets: From €12
- Access: Metro Line 5, Porte de Pantin station (2-minute walk)
9. Alexander Calder: Dreaming in Balance at Fondation Louis Vuitton
Until August 16, 2026, the Fondation Louis Vuitton presents the exhibition ‘Alexander Calder: Dreaming in Balance.’ This major retrospective gathers nearly 300 works spread over more than 3,000 m² in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, from emblematic mobiles to monumental sculptures. The exhibition notably highlights the mythical Calder Circus, an exceptional loan from the Whitney Museum. Access is recommended via Metro Line 1, Les Sablons station.
- Dates: Until August 16, 2026
- Location: Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris
- Access: Metro Line 1, Les Sablons station
10. Me and the Others: Artists’ Perspectives on Our Online Lives at Fondation groupe EDF
The Fondation groupe EDF hosts the collective exhibition ‘Me and the Others’ until September 27, 2026. Through thirty works by French and international artists, the exhibition explores the impact of the Internet and social networks on our daily behaviors. The exhibition is accessible Tuesday to Sunday from 12 PM to 7 PM (late opening on Thursdays until 10 PM), and entry is completely free.
- Dates: Until September 27, 2026
- Location: Fondation groupe EDF, Paris
- Tickets: Free entry
Plan Your Visit
To make the most of your cultural journey through Paris, we recommend checking the official websites of each venue for the latest information on opening hours, special events, and any potential changes to the schedule. Many venues offer online ticketing, which can help you save time and secure your spot, especially for popular exhibitions.
Additional Resources
- Paris Tourist Office: For general information about visiting Paris, transportation, and accommodation.
- Museum Pass Paris: Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass if you plan to visit multiple paid exhibitions, as it can offer significant savings.
- Public Transportation: Utilize Paris’s extensive metro and bus network to easily navigate between exhibition venues. Check RATP for route planning and real-time updates.
Enjoy your cultural exploration of Paris this August 2026!
Source: https://www.jds.fr/paris/actu/10-expositions-incontournables-a-voir-a-paris-en-août-2026-1678096_A
