Paris is embracing a vibrant sense of patriotism this fall with its prominent art exhibitions. The Louvre is presenting what could be one of the most impactful exhibitions of Jacques-Louis David in recent history, while the Petit Palais showcases works by his contemporary, Jean-Baptiste Greuze, in light of significant anniversaries: the 200th anniversary of David’s death and the 300th year since Greuze’s birth. But isn’t it sufficient to celebrate the brilliance of these French art legends without needing a special occasion?
Notably, major private galleries are also making their mark. The Fondation Cartier will unveil a striking new venue to compete with the Bourse de Commerce, where the Pinault collection is expanding the dialogue around Minimalism with an extensive exhibition.
Outside the mainstream museum scene, fresh initiatives reflect the current French cultural climate, such as the innovative 7 Rue Froissart fair, and Tyler Mitchell’s photography, opening soon at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie. For those drawn to nostalgia, a tribute to Orson Welles at the Cinémathèque will commemorate 40 years since his passing, yet another notable anniversary.
Jacques-Louis David
Musée du Louvre, 99 rue de Rivoli, 75001
October 15–January 26
It’s appropriate for France’s premier museum to host a grand retrospective celebrating its foremost 18th-century artist, marking two centuries since his death in 1825. David’s expansive political journey from the Revolution through six regimes infused his works with profound symbols and messages. This exhibition incorporates decades of scholarly research since David’s last major show in 1989 and includes iconic pieces like “Les Sabines” (1799) and “The Death of Marat” (1793).
Jean-Baptiste Greuze: Childhood in the Spotlight
Petit Palais, Avenue Winston-Churchill, 75008
Through January 25
While Greuze is often celebrated for his historical paintings, this exhibit focuses on his extensive renderings of childhood. The museum examines these works to reflect on critical themes of the time, addressing educational issues and the dichotomy of breastfeeding versus wet nursing, alongside deeper themes of mortality and familial bonds. The exhibition features around 100 works from global collections, navigating these topics within an Enlightenment context.
7 Rue Froissart
7 Rue Froissart, 7 rue Froissart, 75003
October 19–25
This new fair aims to counter the traditionally rigid structure seen in larger events like Art Basel Paris, taking place at the same time. Brigitte Mulholland, who launched her gallery in Paris in 2024 after two decades in New York, collaborates with Sara Maria Salamone, co-founder of Mrs. gallery in Queens, to adopt a more inclusive, cross-disciplinary approach. The event will feature innovative presentations and performances, including a drag thrill act parodying the Met Gala, throughout this engaging experience.
Georges de La Tour: From Shadow to Light
Musée Jacquemart-André, 158 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008
Through January 25
The first French retrospective of Georges de la Tour since 1997 delves into his masterful use of chiaroscuro, exploring its captivating blend of humility in everyday life and profound intensity in religious scenes. Though there’s no known evidence of de la Tour visiting Italy, the lingering influence of Caravaggio is evident in his work, and the exhibition will focus on the unique stillness that characterizes his imagery.
Tyler Mitchell: Wish This Was Real
Maison Européenne de la Photographie, 5/7 rue de Fourcy, 75004
October 15–January 25
Tyler Mitchell, the first Black photographer to grace the cover of Vogue at just 23, presents a compelling survey of his work over the past decade. His photographs, rooted in the mundane, provoke deeper reflections on identity and beauty while addressing colonial themes and the complexities of the modern Black experience. By revisiting historical motifs, his dreamy compositions beckon the viewer to question reality itself.
Sargent: Dazzling Paris
Musée d’Orsay, Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, 75007
Through January 11
Despite his acclaim, John Singer Sargent remains less celebrated in France, a reality this exhibition seeks to change by emphasizing his early years in Paris studying under Carolus-Duran in 1874. Although his works rarely depict Parisian life, the influence of the city’s vibrant artistic atmosphere is apparent in the 90 pieces exhibited in conjunction with The Met, including some never displayed in France before. A focal point will be his controversial 1884 portrait of Virginie Gautreau, which led to his near exclusion from French society.
Gerhard Richter
Fondation Louis Vuitton, 8 avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116
October 17–March 2
This latest show at Fondation Louis Vuitton follows previous exhibitions dedicated to David Hockney, Joan Mitchell, and Basquiat, now featuring the influential artist Gerhard Richter, known for his range—from photorealism to abstraction and everything in between. Spanning from 1962 to 2024, the exhibition showcases around 270 pieces, offering a thorough exploration of his artistic landscape enhanced by selected sculptures and drawings—especially poignant as Richter ceased painting in 2017.
Fondation Cartier’s New Home
Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, 2 Place du Palais-Royal, 75001
October 24–ongoing
The Fondation Cartier has relocated to a magnificent Haussmannian building across from the Louvre, designed by Jean Nouvel. The space features large bay windows that create an open feel and introduces “mobile platforms” that allow for creativity and flexibility in how exhibitions are curated. As they launch their inaugural exhibition—drawing from a 40-year collection—the selection will reflect their vision as an institution on the Paris art landscape.
Minimal
Bourse de Commerce, 2 rue de Viarmes, 75001
Through January 19
This exhibition, featuring both in-house and loaned artworks, expands the perception of Minimalism beyond the traditional narrative of “less is more.” It encompasses diverse movements like Japan’s Mono-ha, which focuses on spatial relationships and interconnectivity, and Brazil’s Neo-Concrete art. Additionally, thoughtful thematically curated sections—such as Light, Balance, and Surface—will unveil the deeper significance of this frequently oversimplified movement.
My Name Is Orson Welles
Cinémathèque, 51 rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris
Through January 11
The Cinémathèque française is hosting a comprehensive exhibit to honor Orson Welles on the 40th anniversary of his death. Often overshadowed by his later career choices—like a notorious Champagne commercial—this retrospective aims to illuminate the polymath’s vast contributions, especially the iconic Citizen Kane, which he crafted at the age of 25. The collection emphasizes his twelve films and highlights his extensive body of work across radio, sculpture, and visual arts, making it a treat for film enthusiasts.
