The Season’s Top Art Exhibitions in Paris

For the world’s culturati, Paris is always a good idea. The museums in this culture capital are destinations in themselves. But the art calendar this season is particularly fabulous. From the smaller museums to blockbuster exhibits, we’ve rounded up a handful of events that you shouldn’t miss.

Henri Cartier-Bresson at the Pompidou: Ten years after his death, the Centre Pompidou is bringing together more than 350 photographs, films, and documents to showcase the work of the photographer who is referred to as the “eye of the century.” Until June 9th.

“The Impressionists in Private” at the Marmottan-Monet: If you think you know the Impressionists and have seen them all, think again. This is an unprecedented opportunity to see those masterpieces that are rarely (if ever) available for public viewing. To mark it’s 80th anniversary, the Musée Marmottan-Monet is showcasing works by Caillebotte, Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Degas, Corot, and Boudin—all belonging to private collectors. The museum itself is a real gem, with an impressive permanent collection of paintings by Monet. Until July 6th.

“Josephine” at the Musée du Luxembourg: Starting March 13^th, this exhibition will mark the bicentenary of the death of the Empress Josephine by retracing her extraordinary life from her birth in Martinique to her marriage with Napoleon Bonaparte, from her rise to glory at the top of the Empire to her life after divorce. The curators invite visitors “to enter Josephine’s private world and discover a modern woman who was passionate about travel, music and gardens.”

“Brassaï, for the Love of Paris” at Hôtel de Ville: This free exhibit, running until March 8^th, is a treasure trove of vintage Paris photos, including images of Les Halles marketplace before its demolition.

For more listings, be sure to check out the France Today calendar.