4 cultural events in Paris to kick off the new season
Is the start of the new school year quietly approaching? To get the new season off to a good start, head to Paris and the museum! From retrospectives of iconic artists to exhibitions by emerging designers, we reveal our favorite cultural events for the new season. Follow us, we’ll tell you everything!
John Singer Sargent
From September 23, 2025, to January 11, 2026, the Musée d’Orsay is offering a unique insight into the early Parisian years of John Singer Sargent, one of the most talented American painters of his time. Take a stroll through more than 90 works in the artist’s world.
Although still relatively unknown in the US, despite having trained in Paris, he was one of the greatest artists of his time thanks to his bold and visionary approach.
A key moment in the exhibition is dedicated to the famous Madame X scandal (painting above): a portrait of Virginie Gautreau that was perceived as daring and sparked fierce criticism at the Paris Salon for its provocative modernity. This painting, on loan from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, is being shown in France for the first time since 1884.
John Singer Sargent
From September 23, 2025, to January 11, 2026
Musée d’Orsay
https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/whats-on/exhibitions/sargent-paris-years-1874-1884
Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estaing – 75 007 Paris
Robert Doisneau
Delving into Robert Doisneau’s world is like opening an old cookie jar, where everything is in its place—including the mess. A box of memories without the nostalgia that usually comes with it.
“Instants donnés” invites us to discover the Paris of yesteryear with tenderness and humor.
It offers a chronological journey through the photographer’s life. We discover the Parisian suburbs where he lived, the artists’ studios he frequented, and his years working for Vogue in the world of fashion and luxury.
Hurry, you have until October 15 to discover this exhibition at the Maillol Museum!
Robert Doisneau
Until October 15, 2025
https://museemaillol.com/en/expositions/robert-doisneau-instants-donnes-2/
Musée Maillol
59 rue de Grenelle – 75007 Paris
Salon Maison & Objet
It’s not quite an exhibition, but almost… Starting on September 4, 2025, and lasting for five days, the Maison & Objet Paris trade show will bring together 2,500 interior design and decoration brands for industry professionals.
Come and discover the latest trends in home and interior design. Wander from aisle to aisle (each one prettier than the last) and browse for that special item that catches your eye.
Like an observatory for emerging designers, the Maison & Objet trade show also reflects new lifestyles.
These early signs of tomorrow’s trends can be discovered in six sectors. (To save time, consider browsing only those that interest you.)
At the end of the day, we are clearly exhausted, but above all, we have been dazzled.
So, see you in early September to meet the designers of tomorrow and discover the new collections from your favorite brands.
Salon Maison & Objet
From September 4 to 8, 2025
Avenue des Nations – 93 420 Villepinte
Orson Welles
From October 8 to January 11, 2026, the Cinémathèque Française will dedicate its major fall 2025 exhibition to Orson Welles, a major figure in the history of cinema. An actor, director, and producer who was a key figure in Hollywood, his films have become classics.
“My name is Orson Welles” traces the work of a respected actor, successful producer, and screenwriter.
Orson Welles was a genius who successfully transitioned from silent films to talkies, from black and white to color. He was a giant who loved meticulous detail.
Archives, photographs, sketches, drawings, installations, video clips, correspondence… In total, around 400 works have been brought together to create a unique portrait of this complex artist.
Orson Welles
Du 8 octobre au 11 janvier
https://www.cinematheque.fr/my-name-is-orson-welles.html
Cinémathèque française de Paris
51 rue de Bercy – 75012 Paris