At the start of the year, Paris is full of exceptional exhibitions. From captivating retrospectives to contemporary installations, the capital’s museums and galleries offer a range of events to suit all tastes. Escape the winter cold and immerse yourself in a unique cultural journey through the most beautiful exhibitions of January 2025.
A look back at the Olympic Games: “The Happy Days”
When ? December 21, 2024 to March 1, 2025
Or ? City Hall, Paris
Paris still celebrates the fervor of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games through the exhibition Happy Days. Freely accessible to the general public, it offers an insight into the highlights of this historic event. Photos, anecdotes and memories collected from Parisians are intertwined with professional images, offering a vibrant and emotional account of this significant period.
The scenography includes memorable elements such as Olympic medals, the torch of the flame and ceremonial costumes. An immersive experience that will take you back into the festive atmosphere of summer 2024.
“The Soul Trembles”: the poetry of Chiharu Shiota
When ? December 11, 2024 to March 19, 2025
Or ? Grand Palace
The Grand Palais reopens its doors with a spectacular exhibition by Chiharu Shiota. Known for her immersive installations made of intertwined threads, the Japanese artist here explores the vulnerability of human existence. The Soul Trembles offers a journey through seven monumental installations, sculptures, and performance videos.
Each work tells a story, mixing emotions, memory and introspection, like this staircase of suitcases which symbolizes a journey full of memories. A poignant and visually impressive exhibition.
Antiquity in Cinema: a unique exploration
When ? December 12, 2024 to March 29, 2025
Or ? Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé Foundation
Antiquity and cinema have always been closely linked, from classic peplums to modern blockbusters. This exhibition highlights the fascination of cinema with ancient civilizations through more than 200 works: posters, costumes, sets and film extracts.
Visitors will discover how mythological and historical stories continue to inspire filmmakers and captivate audiences. A great opportunity to rediscover masterpieces such as Ben-How or 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
Or ? Fluctuart, Paris
The French pioneers of street art, VLP (Long live painting), are the subject of a unique and free retrospective. This exhibition retraces 40 years of career, exploring the artistic evolution of this emblematic collective. From the first paintings made in the streets to collaborations with prestigious institutions, Before/After celebrates VLP’s lasting influence on urban art.
The route highlights rare and striking works, testifying to their commitment and creativity. An immersion in the graphic and colorful universe of these visionary artists.
Dolce & Gabbana: a baroque journey
When ? January 10 to March 31, 2025
Or ? Grand Palace
The exhibition From Heart to Hand immerses visitors in the luxurious and theatrical world of Dolce & Gabbana. Through ten magnificently designed rooms, the exhibition reveals the creative process of the two Italian couturiers, from the sketch to the 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 know-how and emotion that characterize the house.
Suzanne Valadon: a retrospective at the Center Pompidou
When ? January 15 to May 26, 2025
Or ? Georges Pompidou Center
Among its various exhibitions, the Center Pompidou pays tribute to Suzanne Valadon, a pioneering artist of the 19th and 20th centuries. Self-taught and daring, Valadon established herself in an artistic environment dominated by men thanks to her unique look and her realistic nudes.
This exhibition brings together nearly 200 works, exploring the different facets of his artistic journey. 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
Or ? Louvre Museum
For the first time, the Louvre is dedicating an exhibition to fashion. Louvre Couture explores the interactions between the museum’s historical collections and haute couture. With 65 outfits and 30 accessories by Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Yohji Yamamoto, this retrospective reveals the impact of the decorative arts on contemporary creation.
The immersive scenography, orchestrated by Nathalie Crinière, enhances these dialogues between past and present, making this exhibition an unmissable event of the year.
Also read: The major exhibitions in Paris in 2025
