Paris Exhibitions in November 2026: Our Selection

November is one of the best months to dive into Paris's vibrant museum scene. The major autumn exhibitions are in full swing, new openings are frequent, and photography takes over the city with Paris Photo. Whether you've just arrived for a few months' assignment or are already a Parisian resident, here's our neighborhood-by-neighborhood selection.

All dates below were verified on November 4, 2026, on each venue's official website, unless otherwise stated. Prices often vary by age and day of visit: please consult the official ticketing website before booking.

At the Louvre: Photography Enters the Museum (1st arrondissement)

This is the event of the month: Louvre Photo, running from November 4, 2026, to May 3, 2027. The museum opens its halls to photography, a medium not spontaneously associated with the Louvre. It’s a great reason to revisit, even if you know the Mona Lisa by heart.

The Louvre is also hosting two concurrent exhibitions, open since October 7 and viewable until January 25, 2027:

• Zurbarán, dedicated to the great 17th-century Spanish painter, master of still lifes and intensely rendered saintly figures;
• Sculpting Color, focusing on polychromy in sculpture.

Don't delay for Ingres and Fashion, which closes on November 8, nor for Mythologies, visible until November 9. The Guests of the Louvre remain open until December 14.

Practical tip: book a time slot online, even on weekdays, and favor evening openings to avoid crowds. The 1st arrondissement is ideal for a multi-month stay if you want to explore everything on foot: see our page on furnished rentals in Paris 1st.

At the Grand Palais: Paris Photo, November 12-15 (8th arrondissement)

Paris Photo returns to the Grand Palais for its 29th edition, from Thursday, November 12, to Sunday, November 15, 2026. It's the largest international fair dedicated to photography, featuring galleries from around the world, photo book publishers, and both antique and contemporary prints. The fair is open from 1 PM to 8 PM, closing at 7 PM on Sunday.

Only four days: book your ticket in advance on the official Paris Photo website, and aim for an early afternoon weekday visit.

Paris Photo also kicks off a month-long photography event across the city. In Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the PhotoSaintGermain circuit takes over galleries, bookstores, and storefronts in the neighborhood throughout November, with free access (dates to be confirmed on the event's official website).

At the Petit Palais: Brussels 1900 and Eva Gonzalès (8th arrondissement)

Just opposite the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais opens Brussels 1900 on November 10, 2026. This exhibition runs until April 25, 2027, offering a deep dive into the Art Nouveau capital of Belgium, the era of Victor Horta and an artistic effervescence that greatly influenced Paris.

Two other appointments at the same museum:

• Eva Gonzalès, Journey of a Free Artist, until January 24, 2027, dedicated to this Impressionist painter, a student of Manet, long overshadowed;
• Visionaries, a carte blanche to artist Prune Nourry, until January 24, 2027, with free admission.

With its free permanent collections and indoor garden, the Petit Palais is one of the best spots for a quick visit between meetings. The 8th arrondissement, around the Champs-Élysées, is also a natural choice for executives on assignment: see our page on furnished rentals in Paris 8th.

At the Institut du monde arabe: The Secrets of the Alhambra (5th arrondissement)

From November 24, 2026, to May 16, 2027, the Institut du monde arabe presents The Secrets of the Alhambra, focusing on the famous Nasrid palace in Granada. Don't forget to visit the panoramic terrace of Jean Nouvel's building, which offers one of the most stunning views of the Seine and Notre-Dame.

At the same venue, Long Live the Bride!, dedicated to wedding traditions in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, is on view until February 28, 2027.

The 5th arrondissement, nestled between the Latin Quarter and the Jardin des Plantes, is a favorite among researchers, students, and families: see our page on furnished rentals in Paris 5th.

Other Major Autumn Exhibitions

Several highly anticipated exhibitions are announced for November. We couldn't confirm their dates on the official websites on the day of publication: please verify them on the museum's website before you go.

• Musée d'Orsay (7th): A major exhibition dedicated to Mary Cassatt, an American painter from the Impressionist circle, announced until late January 2027. This is followed by an exhibition on Gustave Le Gray, a pioneer of photography, announced for November.
• Fondation Louis Vuitton (16th): The exhibition dedicated to collector and artist Gustave Fayet, featuring works by Gauguin, Van Gogh, and Odilon Redon, announced until March 2027.
• Musée d'Art moderne de Paris (16th): Kerry James Marshall, announced until late January 2027.
• Palais de Tokyo (16th): New season of exhibitions since October 21, focusing on the notion of territory.

The 16th arrondissement thus concentrates three major art venues. It is also a highly sought-after neighborhood for expat families, known for its schools and parks: see our page on furnished rentals in Paris 16th.

Our Tips for Enjoying Exhibitions When Living in Paris

Always book a time slot. Most major institutions operate on a timed entry system. On November weekends, and especially during school holidays, slots fill up quickly.

Consider annual passes. If you're staying for several months, an annual membership to the Louvre, Orsay, or the Museums of the City of Paris quickly pays for itself. It generally provides skip-the-line access and reduced rates for a companion.

Take advantage of free collections. The permanent collections of the Museums of the City of Paris, such as the Petit Palais or the Musée d'Art moderne, offer free access. National museums are free on the first Sunday of certain months and for EU residents under 26. Conditions evolve: check them on each website.

Aim for evening openings (nocturnes). An evening visit after work is often the most pleasant time, with significantly fewer people.

Staying in Paris for a Month or More

A cultural season in Paris is best experienced when you live locally, just a few stops from the museums. HelloParis offers furnished apartments for stays of 1 to 12 months: fully equipped, with linens, internet, and utilities included. Contracts are tailored for professional assignments, expatriations, and study stays.

Browse our furnished apartments available in Paris. If you're organizing accommodation for one or more employees, discover our corporate offerings.