Paris is home to literally hundreds of museums that collectively house some of the most famous artwork in the world. This means that artists such as Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Delacroix, Monet, Manet, Michelangelo, and Rodin can be seen year round. But if you’ve already seen the Mona Lisa, don’t worry. The museums of Paris have got you covered. Nearly every museum in Paris houses temporary exhibits throughout the year, with dozens of them opening throughout September and October for the fall and winter season. I recently took a look at the list of upcoming exhibits, and let’s just say I’m going to be spending a lot of time in museums in the coming months. While there are dozens to choose from, below are my top 5 upcoming exhibitions in Paris.
The Alana Collection: Masterpieces of Italian Painting
The Alana Collection is definitely a must see, mostly because this collection is privately owned. Over 75 pieces will be on display, many of them for the first time in public, and they feature some of the greatest masters of Italian Renaissance painting. It remains to be seen if they will be shown in public again, so don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity. I know I won’t.
September 13th, 2019 – January 20th, 2020, Musee Jacquemart-Andre
Al-‘Ula: Wonder from Arabia
I have been to numerous exhibitions at the Institute of Arab Culture, and they have all been fantastic. This fall they’re presenting an exhibit on the history of Al-‘Ula, a little known region in northwest Saudi Arabia. This work is the result of over 20 years of research, and the exhibit spans over 7,000 years of history. Incredibly, this will be the first time many of these objects will be on display. I won’t be missing this one either.
October 9th, 2019 – January 19th, 2020, Institute of Arab Culture
The Sound of Charlie Chaplin
I have always been a fan of Charlie Chaplin and the musical landscapes of silent films. This exhibition will look at one of the masters of the genre, and examine how Chaplin expertly choreographed his classic films. As an added bonus, this exhibit will be held at the Philharmonie de Paris, a fascinating architectural sight that is located inside the hidden gem of the Parc de la Villette.
October 11th, 2019 – January 26th, 2020, Philharmonie de Paris
Marie Antoinette: Metamorphoses of an Image
Marie Antoinette is one of the most polarizing figures in French history. Countless depictions of this doomed queen have been produced over the centuries, and now the Conciergerie is bringing over 200 of them together in one location. And it’s a fitting location. The Conciergerie is where Marie Antoinette spent the final months of her life, so it’s the perfect place to witness the legacy of this fascinating woman.
October 16th, 2019 – January 26th, 2020, Conciergerie de Paris
Future, Former, Fugitive: A French Scene
To be honest, I’m not entirely sure what this exhibition is all about. I’ve been to several shows at the Palais de Tokyo, and every time I never quite know what I’m in for. This one is no exception. It is described as 44 artists and groups coming together to create a French scene, but just what exactly that scene will be I have no idea. All I know is that I’m in. The Palais de Tokyo is a beautiful building unto itself and the exhibitions never fail to impress. What more could you want?
October 16th, 2019 – January 5th, 2020, Palais de Tokyo
Fancy a Day at a Museum?
These are just five of the upcoming exhibitions in Paris. However, there are dozens more that are already open or will be opening shortly. If you have any must sees, please let me know in the comments below. Otherwise, see you at a museum in the near future!
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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.
