Latest Cultural Attractions in Paris
Paris’s cultural scene is always in flux, with the ongoing closure of some museums and the emergence of new ones. In recent months, there have been exciting additions to the French capital’s cultural offerings, appealing to a variety of interests.
For example, photography enthusiasts may find delight in a new free-floating art space on the Seine River dedicated to modern photography. Additionally, a unique math museum is set to intrigue science-minded visitors.
This year’s significant cultural news includes the announcement that the Centre Pompidou, one of Europe’s most important modern art collections, is scheduled to close between 2025 and 2030. However, the Fondation Cartier Pour l’Art Contemporain is working on a project near the Louvre that aims to become the largest private art gallery in the city, expected to open in 2025.
Maison Gainsbourg
The home of Serge Gainsbourg, one of France’s most influential and controversial singer-songwriters, opened to the public this fall, over 30 years after his passing in 1991. Known for the provocative duet “Je T’Aime … Moi Non Plus,” Gainsbourg’s residence offers fans an intimate glimpse into his life, showcasing artworks, photographs, clothing, and personal documents. The space is preserved with its original ashtrays filled with remnants of his former lifestyle.
Across the street, a dedicated museum holds an archive of manuscripts and rare photographs. Note that tickets for this experience are currently sold out for the remainder of the year, although new availability for 2024 is expected soon.
Tickets for museum and house tour: €25
Quai de la Photo
If you find yourself exploring the southeastern areas of Paris, consider visiting the recently opened Quai de la Photo. This floating art center situated on the Seine features 935 square meters of contemporary photography, with the inaugural exhibition by British photographer Martin Parr focused on the theme “Life’s a Beach.” Visitors can also enjoy a drink at the bar while taking in stunning riverside views or dine at the on-site restaurant. Additionally, the venue offers 50-minute river cruises for small groups.
Boat rides: €12; Exhibits: Free
Paradox Museum
The spring opening of the Paradox Museum added whimsy to Paris’s cultural landscape. This immersive museum, stretching over three floors and 1,700 square meters, features 90 sensory experiences where the laws of gravity and reality are defied. Visitors can navigate a spinning tunnel and engage in playful illusions. Among the six existing Paradox Museums worldwide, this location is the largest.
Tickets: €27 for adults; €22 for those under 18
Cité Internationale de la Langue Française
The most high-profile cultural opening this year is the Cité Internationale de la Langue Française, inaugurated by French President Emmanuel Macron. Located in Villers-Cotterêts, approximately 45 minutes by train from Paris, this institution is housed in the historic Château de Villers-Cotterêts, where French was officially declared the language of France in 1539. Visitors can explore the history, culture, and evolution of the French language across 1,600 square meters of exhibit space, celebrating its status as the fifth most spoken language globally.
Tickets: €9 for adults; free for children
La Maison Poincaré
France’s first museum dedicated to mathematics, La Maison Poincaré, aims to make math engaging and understandable. With innovative exhibits that relate mathematics to everyday life—such as crowd movement at busy metro stations or the mathematics behind soccer ball production—the museum spans 900 square meters. Using virtual reality, games, videos, and interactive features, it intends to inspire interest in the subject, especially among students in France.
Tickets: €10 for adults; free for children
