Art Calendar 2025: The Key Art Events in France

Paris will remain the undisputed capital of art in 2025. All major art events in the country take place in the metropolis – from numerous prestigious art fairs to gallery weekends. The freshly renovated Grand Palais will become the vibrant center of the French art scene, where collectors, galleries, and art lovers meet. Here, not only exceptional artworks are traded, but also international movements and developments in art are showcased. We at Moviiu will also attend the fairs to engage with key players in the French art scene and present our smart shipping solution for art.

Art Fairs & Events in France 2025

Art Paris (April 3–6, 2025, Paris)

As one of France’s leading art fairs, Art Paris brings modern and contemporary art to the iconic Grand Palais. In 2025, the fair will gather around 170 galleries from France and around the world – 35 more than the previous year. Art Paris remains a unique meeting point that combines both regional and cosmopolitan identities.
Each year, the fair focuses on a specific art scene or central theme, which is deepened through lectures, guided tours, and artist talks. In 2025, the spotlight will be on Immortal – a focus on French figurative painting, and Out of Bounds – an exhibition exploring the hybridization of cultures and forms in contemporary art.

Paris Gallery Weekend (May 23–25, 2025, Paris)

For three days, the Paris Gallery Weekend celebrates the diversity of the contemporary art scene. The most prominent Parisian galleries open their doors for exclusive exhibitions where art lovers and collectors can discover new artworks and engage directly with artists. The event offers guided tours through various neighborhoods and provides exciting insights into current market trends.

Révélations Salon (May 21–25, 2025, Paris)

The Révélations Salon, organized by the Ateliers d’Art de France, focuses on the craftsmanship of the arts and crafts. Under the impressive glass roof of the Grand Palais, international artists and designers present extraordinary works from the fields of craftsmanship and contemporary design. With live demonstrations, conferences, and special exhibitions, this event is a showcase of creative excellence and a meeting point for artists, collectors, and cultural institutions.

Art Basel Paris (October 24–26, 2025, Grand Palais)

The Paris edition of the renowned Art Basel gathers leading galleries and collectors from around the world. In the freshly renovated Grand Palais, high-quality artworks from modern to contemporary are presented. In addition to the exhibition stands, Art Basel Paris offers a diverse program with curated exhibitions, discussions, and special projects.

Paris Photo (November 13–16, 2025, Grand Palais)

As the world’s leading fair for artistic photography, Paris Photo brings together renowned galleries, publishers, and collectors. Historical masterpieces of photography as well as contemporary works by international artists are showcased. Accompanying the fair, there will be talks, signings, and curated presentations, which foster dialogue about the medium of photography.

Art Highlights in French Museums 2025

In addition to the major art fairs, the museums in France offer an impressive selection of exhibitions that art lovers should not miss. Here are some of the most exciting artworks to see in Paris in 2025:

Paris: David Hockney’s Creative Worlds at the Fondation Louis Vuitton

With David Hockney 25 (April 9 – August 31, 2025), the Fondation Louis Vuitton will dedicate a monumental retrospective to one of the most influential contemporary artists. Over 400 artworks spanning seven decades, including iconic paintings, drawings, digital works, and immersive video installations, will showcase Hockney’s creative development. Particularly fascinating: The artist was heavily involved in the exhibition’s conception and will present some of his latest works exclusively in Paris.

Paris: Olga de Amaral – Textile Masterpieces at the Fondation Cartier

The Fondation Cartier for Contemporary Art honors Colombian artist Olga de Amaral with a comprehensive retrospective (October 12, 2024 – March 16, 2025). About 80 works offer an insight into her unique creations blending traditional weaving with abstract painting. Particularly striking are her gold-adorned textile structures that poetically capture light and redefine the relationship between materiality and spirituality.

Paris: Body and Soul – The Bourse de Commerce Explores Human Existence

The exhibition Corps et âmes (from March 5, 2025) at the Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection addresses the representation of the human body in art. Works by Auguste Rodin, Marlene Dumas, and Arthur Jafa combine painting, sculpture, photography, and video into a profound reflection on body, mind, and identity. A special highlight is Arthur Jafa’s film Love is the Message, the Message is Death, which transforms the space into a vibrant mix of music, image, and political statement.

Paris: Masterpieces at the Musée d’Art Moderne – Henri Matisse & Gabriele Münter

The Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris offers two outstanding exhibitions in 2025, focusing on central figures in modern art: Henri Matisse and Gabriele Münter.

The exhibition Matisse and Marguerite – Through Her Father’s Eyes (April 4 – August 24, 2025) explores the unique relationship between Henri Matisse and his daughter Marguerite. Over 110 artworks, including rarely shown drawings, prints, and sculptures, reveal Marguerite as his most significant muse. For the first time, works from international collections will be presented in France, offering insight into Matisse’s emotional and artistic view of his daughter.

Parallel to this, the museum will present Gabriele Münter: Painting to the Point (April 4 – August 24, 2025), the first major retrospective in France of one of the most important female artists of Expressionism. 150 works, including vibrant paintings, prints, and photographs, will showcase Münter’s innovative style and her influence on modern art. The exhibition highlights how she, as a co-founder of Der Blaue Reiter, paved new artistic paths far beyond her relationship with Wassily Kandinsky.

Photo Credits:
1. Parvis de l’Institut de France Niki de Saint Phalle Courtesy of Art Basel
2. Piktogram, Jan Eustachy Wolsky Courtesy of Art Basel
3. Karma Courtesy of Art Basel
4. Ray Noire e Blanche1926 épreuve gélatino‑argentique Pinault Collection. © Man Ray 2015
5. Exhibition view courtesy Olga de Amaral Courtesy Lisson Gallery picture by Cyril Marcilhacy