With the fall and winter expositions coming to an end, it’s time to look forward to the spring season of museum exhibitions. From classic artists to infamous moments in history, the coming months will be a boon for culture lovers. There are countless exhibitions to choose from, with several of them going straight onto my personal to see list. Below are my top 5 exhibitions to see in Paris this spring.
Monet, Renoir… Chagall: Journeys Around the Mediterranean
L’Atelier des Lumières returns this season with their latest exhibit, focusing on the masters of the Impressionist art movement. Personally, I love Impressionism, so I’m very much looking forward to being immersed in the digital landscape of Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, and Matisse, among others. These exhibits always present a second show in tandem with the headline event, and this time they are focusing on the works of Yves Klein in a show titled Infinite Blue. Both shows are now open and run through January 3rd, 2021, meaning you have plenty of time to see these beautiful works.
Turner: Paintings and Watercolours from the Tate
The Tate Modern in London is home to the world’s finest collection of the works of Joseph Mallord William Turner. However, starting March 13th, those works will be on loan to the Musée Jacquemart-André in Paris. Turner is a master of the golden age of English watercolours, so don’t miss out on this chance to see these works in person without having to jump on the Eurostar. Also, be sure to leave extra time for your visit. The museum itself is a stunningly beautiful building that is well worth a visit unto its own.
Christo and Jeanne-Claude – Paris!
In 1985, artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude wrapped the Pont Neuf in fabric for their latest large scale art installation. In just a few short weeks, this artwork was seen by over three million people. It is now considered a classic of their large scale works that have been produced around the world. Starting March 18th, the Centre Pompidou is presenting a retrospective of their Parisian work in the lead up to the wrapping of the Arc de Triomphe later this year. I first became aware of these artists when I saw The Gates in Central Park over 15 years ago. I’m very much looking forward to learning more about the careers of these two fascinating, if not baffling artists.
Pompeii
The story of Pompeii and its demise with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD is one of the most infamous stories in the history of the Roman Empire. If you want to see the actual remains of Pompeii, you have to go to Naples. However, if you’re unable to travel to Italy at the moment, all you have to do is pay a visit to the Grand Palais. Starting March 25th, the Grand Palais will be exhibiting an almost entirely digital exhibition that will recreate this 1st century Roman city. Personally, I cannot wait for this one.
Revolutions: Records and Rebels 1966-1970
You can’t deny that the years between 1966 and 1970 produced some pretty great music. From The Beatles to Janis Joplin, Woodstock and the Summer of Love, it was a time of artists, rebels, and turning things up to 11. This spring, the Grand Hall at the Parc de la Villette will be home to an exhibition focused not only on the artists of this era, but the music that made them legends. If you’re a fan of music, this is definitely one you don’t want to miss. This exhibit opens April 22nd and runs through the summer to August 23rd.
Bonus
I know it’s not technically one of the exhibitions to see in Paris this spring, but this summer the Louvre will play host to the masters of Italian sculpture, including Donatello and Michelangelo. Opening May 6th, this promises to be the ticket of the summer, so start planning now.
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Laura Moore is a professional storyteller who loves history and the many stories that make Paris one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Join one of her signature tours to learn the story of a city.
