Ten Free Art Exhibitions to See in Paris This Summer (2025)
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Looking for a cultural fix that won’t cost a cent? This summer, Paris is hosting several free exhibitions in unique venues across the city — from photography and climate activism to Olympic dreams and self-portraiture. Here's a curated selection currently open to the public, straight from the Paris City Hall’s recommendations.
Source: Ville de Paris, "Ces expos gratuites à voir en ce moment?", updated January 31, 2025.
https://www.paris.fr/pages/six-expos-gratuites-a-voir-en-ce-moment-26110
1. Raymond Depardon – “Passages”
Celebrated French photographer and filmmaker Raymond Depardon invites visitors into a poetic journey through city life. The exhibition features around forty black-and-white and color images, drawing from his classic and more recent series. It captures everyday beauty — from quiet corners to moments of transition — in cities like Glasgow, Addis Ababa, and Paris. A must-see for fans of street photography and visual storytelling.
📍 Magnum Gallery, 11th arrondissement – until July 26
📸 Exhibition info
2. “De Paris à Belém : 10 ans d’action climatique”
Marking the tenth anniversary of the COP21 climate agreement, this outdoor exhibition traces global climate action from Paris to Belém, Brazil — host of the upcoming COP30. The display combines infographics, portraits, and interactive visual data to highlight how both local communities and nations are adapting and fighting climate change. A powerful reminder of the urgency — and the creativity — behind environmental activism.
📍 Parvis de l’Hôtel de Ville – until December 13
📸 Exhibition info
3. Audrey Tautou – “Superfacial”
Actress Audrey Tautou (best known as Amélie Poulain) reveals a new side of herself in this deeply personal photo series. “Superfacial” features intimate self-portraits where she plays with costumes, roles, and masks — a playful yet poignant exploration of identity, femininity, and public image. Set against the Seine at the floating Quai de la Photo, the setting alone is worth the trip.
📍 Quai de la Photo, 13th arrondissement – until September 10
📸 Exhibition info
4. Charlotte Abramow – “Rêves de Jeux”
In celebration of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, photographer Charlotte Abramow presents a series capturing the joy, playfulness, and emotion of sports — far beyond competition. The images are inclusive, creative, and filled with the spirit of community. A joyful counterpoint to the traditional representations of athleticism, in a historic Parisian square.
📍 Square de la Tour Saint-Jacques, 4th arrondissement
📸 Exhibition info
5. “Megalomelancholia“
This poetic and immersive exhibition explores imaginary architectures and emotional geographies. Seven artists present models, drawings, and installations that play with scale, melancholy, and transformation.
📍 Pavillon Carré de Baudouin, 20th arrondissement, until July 19
📸 Exhibition info
6. “Chaosmos”
Twelve artists invite visitors into a cosmic journey through interactive installations and sensory experiences. Mixing ecology, science fiction, and mythology, the show explores our relationship to the universe and the planet.
📍 MAIF Social Club, 3rd arrondissement – until July 26
📸 Exhibition info
7. “Stockholm–New York–Paris (1930–1995)” – Barbro Östlihn
This retrospective brings to light the work of Swedish artist Barbro Östlihn, a lesser-known yet influential figure of Pop Art. Her colorful, architectural paintings reflect the energy of the cities that shaped her — from Stockholm to New York and Paris.
📍 Institut Suédois, 3rd arrondissement – until July 20
📸 Exhibition info
8. “Brad Holland et Shakespeare, l’étoffe des rêves”
Renowned illustrator Brad Holland presents dreamlike drawings inspired by Shakespeare’s great tragedies. With fluid lines and theatrical emotion, he revisits characters from Macbeth, Othello, and King Lear in a refined, poetic style.
📍 Galerie Martine Gossieaux, 7th arrondissement – until Septembre 13
📸 Exhibition info
9. “Mythologies” – Niki de Saint Phalle
This exhibition explores the artist’s fascination with myth and legend through her iconic Nanas and fantastical creatures. Bold, colorful, and feminist, her sculptures reinterpret traditional tales with playful defiance.
📍 Galerie Mitterrand, 3rd arrondissement – until july 26
📸 Exhibition info
10. “As Above So Below”
@Aurélien mole
Blending science, spirituality, and personal introspection, this collective show reflects on the link between the cosmos and the self. Through multimedia works, artists explore how celestial forces shape human experience.
📍 Lafayette Anticipations, 4th arrondissement – until july 20
📸 Exhibition info
Whether you're an art lover, a casual stroller, or simply in search of new perspectives, these exhibitions offer a refreshing look at the world — completely free of charge.
For more cultural tips and local experiences in Paris, stay tuned to our blog.
