The Louvre Museum, typically the world's most visited cultural institution, faces unprecedented disruption this holiday season, forcing art lovers to seek alternatives. A massive strike by museum workers has closed its doors for several days, while security concerns following the theft of eight precious jewels in October have added to the institution's challenges. Visitors planning holiday cultural outings must now look elsewhere for their artistic fix. Fortunately, Paris and other French cities offer remarkable exhibitions that provide rich experiences without the Louvre's crowds.
The Grand Palais presents two simultaneous exhibitions that showcase contemporary artistic vision. Claire Tabouret, known for designing new stained glass windows for Notre-Dame Cathedral, displays her maquettes for this historic project in a dedicated gallery. Visitors can examine the intricate designs that will soon illuminate the restored medieval masterpiece. Adjacent to Tabouret's work, Eva Jospin has constructed an incredible cave installation titled "Grottesco," creating an immersive environment that transforms the exhibition space. Both shows, running from December 10 through March 15, 2026, offer Tuesday through Sunday access and represent a unique pairing of architectural and sculptural innovation.
The Fondation Louis Vuitton continues its tradition of major retrospectives with a comprehensive survey of Gerhard Richter's career. The German artist's exhibition features 275 works spanning from 1962 to 2024, including oil paintings, steel sculptures, and pencil drawings. This marks the first time such an extensive collection of Richter's work has been assembled in France, providing insight into his evolution as one of Europe's most important postwar painters. The show opened October 17 and remains on view through March 2, 2026, welcoming visitors Wednesday through Monday.
Photography enthusiasts should not miss Tyler Mitchell's exhibition at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie. The young American artist made history as the first African-American photographer to shoot a Vogue cover, capturing Beyoncé for the magazine's September 2018 issue. His show "Wish This Was Real" expands beyond fashion photography to explore luminous landscapes and utopian scenes that celebrate self-determination. The exhibition runs from October 15 through January 25, 2026, Wednesday to Sunday, demonstrating how contemporary photography can bridge commercial and fine art practices.
Beyond Paris, three regional museums offer equally compelling exhibitions. The Hôtel Départemental des Expositions in Draguignan presents "Carnavals d'ici et d'ailleurs," a colorful journey through carnival traditions from ancient bacchanals to modern celebrations in Rio, Venice, and Flanders. In Marseille, the Mucem explores the fascinating story of Ferdinandea, an island that emerged from the Mediterranean in 1831 due to volcanic activity before disappearing six months later amid international disputes. Meanwhile, Toulouse's Les Abattoirs showcases fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac's diverse influences, from his chalk drawings to his designs for Pope John Paul II and Lady Gaga, in a show featuring 300 works.
These six exhibitions demonstrate that French cultural life extends far beyond the Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile. While the Louvre's closure disappoints many tourists, it provides an opportunity to discover lesser-known but equally rewarding artistic experiences. From contemporary installations to historical photography, from fashion design to geological narratives, these shows reflect the diversity and richness of France's museum landscape. Visitors willing to explore beyond the beaten path will find their efforts rewarded with unique perspectives and smaller crowds.
