Must-see exhibitions in January
At the start of the new year, Paris is bursting at the seams with exceptional exhibitions. From captivating retrospectives to contemporary installations, the capital’s museums and galleries offer a palette of events to suit all tastes. Escape the winter chill and immerse yourself in a unique cultural journey through the finest exhibitions of January 2025.
A look back at the Olympic Games: “Les Jours Heureux” (Happy Days)
When? December 21st 2024 to March 1st 2025
Where? Hôtel de Ville, Paris
Paris is still celebrating the fervor of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games through the exhibition Les Jours Heureux. Open to the general public free of charge, it takes visitors back to the highlights of this historic event. Photos, anecdotes and memories collected from Parisians intermingle with professional images, offering a vibrant and emotional account of this landmark period.
The scenography includes memorable elements such as Olympic medals, the torch and ceremonial costumes. An immersive experience that will immerse you in the festive atmosphere of the summer of 2024.
“The Soul Trembles”: the poetry of Chiharu Shiota
When? December 11, 2024 to March 19, 2025
Where? Grand Palais
The Grand Palais reopens with a spectacular exhibition by Chiharu Shiota. Known for her immersive installations made of intertwined threads, the Japanese artist explores the vulnerability of human existence. The Soul Trembles takes visitors on a journey through seven monumental installations, sculptures and performance videos.
Each work tells a story, blending emotions, memory and introspection, like this staircase of suitcases symbolizing a journey full of memories. A poignant and visually impressive exhibition.
Antiquity in Film: a unique exploration
When? December 12, 2024 to March 29, 2025
Where? Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé
Antiquity and cinema have always been closely linked, from classic peplums to modern blockbusters. This exhibition highlights cinema’s fascination with ancient civilizations through over 200 works: posters, costumes, sets and film extracts.
Visitors will discover how mythological and historical tales continue to inspire filmmakers and captivate audiences. A great opportunity to rediscover masterpieces such as Ben-Hur and Cleopatra, and to appreciate the impact of ancient cultures on the seventh art.
Street art in the spotlight: VLP at Fluctuart
When? January 16 to March 9, 2025
Where? Fluctuart, Paris
French street-art pioneers VLP(Vive La Peinture) are the subject of a free retrospective. This exhibition retraces 40 years of career, exploring the artistic evolution of this emblematic collective. From early street paintings to collaborations with prestigious institutions, Before/After celebrates VLP’s lasting influence on urban art.
The exhibition showcases rare and striking works, testifying to their commitment and creativity. Immerse yourself in the colorful, graphic universe of these visionary artists.
Dolce & Gabbana: a baroque journey
When? January 10 to March 31, 2025
Where? Grand Palais
The Du Coeur à la Main exhibition plunges visitors into the luxurious, theatrical world of Dolce & Gabbana. Through ten magnificently staged rooms, the exhibition reveals the creative process of the two Italian couturiers, from sketch to finished product.
Each room is an ode to craftsmanship, highlighting the varied cultural influences that shape their collections. An immersive experience where haute couture meets Italian folklore, revealing the craftsmanship and emotion that characterize the house.
Suzanne Valadon: a retrospective at the Centre Pompidou
When? January 15 to May 26, 2025
Where? Centre Georges Pompidou
Among its various exhibitions, the Centre Pompidou pays tribute to Suzanne Valadon, a pioneering artist of the 19th and 20th centuries. Self-taught and daring, Valadon made her mark in an art world dominated by men, thanks to her unique eye and her realistic nudes.
This exhibition brings together nearly 200 works, exploring the different facets of his artistic career. The thematic tour highlights his influence on his contemporaries and his legacy in the history of modern art.
Fashion at the Louvre: a historic first
When? January 24 to July 21, 2025
Where? Musée du Louvre
For the first time, the Louvre is devoting an exhibition to fashion. Louvre Couture explores the interactions between the museum’s historic collections and haute couture. Featuring 65 outfits and 30 accessories by Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Yohji Yamamoto, this retrospective reveals the impact of the decorative arts on contemporary design.
The immersive scenography, orchestrated by Nathalie Crinière, sublimates these dialogues between past and present, making this exhibition a must-see event of the year.
Also read: Paris’s major exhibitions in 2025
