What to Do in Paris on the Weekend of October 24–26, 2025: major art fairs, significant exhibitions still open, shows, and concerts for all tastes. Here’s a selection of events taking place during this weekend (October 24–26, 2025), withs, locations, and dates — convenient for planning your itinerary without surprises.
Must-See Exhibitions on Paris this weekend
- Kandinsky, the Music of Colors — Music Museum / Cité de la Musique – Philharmonie
- Thematic exhibition on the musical imagination in the works of Vassily Kandinsky.
- Location: Music Museum – Philharmonie of Paris.
- Start Date: October 15, 2025.
- End Date: February 1, 2026.
- The Empire of Sleep — Marmottan Monet Museum
- Journey through representations of sleep across the centuries (painting and iconography).
- Location: Marmottan Monet Museum.
- Start Date: October 9, 2025.
- End Date: March 1, 2026.
- Jacques-Louis David — Louvre Museum
- Retrospective dedicated to the work and political and artistic journey of the great Neoclassical painter.
- Location: Louvre Museum.
- Start Date: October 15, 2025.
- End Date: January 26, 2026.
- More infos and reservation
- DISNEY100, The Exhibition — Paris Expo (halls / exhibition park)
- Major retrospective exhibition celebrating 100 years of Disney creation, installations, and archival objects (last weekend to enjoy it).
- Location: Paris Expo.
- Start Date: April 10, 2025.
- End Date: October 26, 2025.
Fairs, Cultural Shows, and Events (3)
- Art Basel Paris — Grand Palais (international contemporary art fair)
- Short Description: One of the major international contemporary art fairs; openings, stands from galleries worldwide, and associated public program.
- Location: Grand Palais, Avenue Winston-Churchill.
- Date: October 24, 2025 – October 26, 2025 (opening and previews on the preceding days).
- Design Miami/Paris — Hôtel de Maisons (design fair)
- Short Description: International design fair bringing together galleries and creators focused on furniture, objects, and collectible pieces (includes commissions and temporary exhibitions).
- Location: Hôtel de Maisons, 7th arrondissement.
- Date: October 21, 2025 – October 26, 2025 (open during the weekend).
- Paris Internationale (parallel art fair / satellite fair)
- Short Description: Contemporary fair highlighting independent galleries and emerging artists; held during the Paris art week surrounding Art Basel.
- Location: various spaces in Paris (part of Paris Art Week programming).
- Date: October 21, 2025 – October 26, 2025 (present during the weekend).
Shows & Concerts and cultural events in Paris this weekend
- Giselle — Ballet (Paris National Opera, Palais Garnier)
- Short Description: The romantic classic “Giselle” by the Ballet of the Paris National Opera — performances scheduled during the weekend.
- Location: Palais Garnier.
- Date of the Series: From September 28, 2025 to October 31, 2025 (performances on October 24 and 25 included in the series).
- Philip Glass — Akhnaten (show/opera at the Philharmonie de Paris)
- Short Description: Performance of the lyrical drama by one of the contemporary masters — show scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025.
- Location: Philharmonie de Paris.
- Date: Performance on October 25, 2025.
- Piano Recital — Khatia Buniatishvili (Philharmonie de Paris)
- Short Description: Solo recital by the famous pianist, scheduled for the evening of Sunday, October 26 — an ideal option to end the weekend with music.
- Location: Philharmonie de Paris.
- Date: October 26, 2025.
Practical Tips for Enjoying the Weekend
- Book in Advance: For Art Basel (public days October 24–26) and Design Miami/Paris, buy tickets and accreditation online before arriving: these events attract a large audience, and lines can be long.
Prioritize by Interest: If you love contemporary art, dedicate Friday or Saturday to Art Basel + satellite fairs (Design Miami/Paris, Paris Internationale), and reserve Sunday for a more relaxed museum exhibition (Kandinsky, Marmottan).
Hours & Transportation: Start early in the morning for museums (less waiting) and prefer the metro or bike sharing to move from one location to another; the 7th, 8th, and Champs-Élysées / Grand Palais are very busy during art week. Major venues (Grand Palais, Philharmonie) are well-serviced by public transport.
Last Day for Some Exhibitions: DISNEY100 ends on October 26, 2025 — if it’s on your list, be sure to schedule it for this weekend.
Attire & Comfort: Comfortable shoes for moving between fairs and museums (lots of walking), and a light jacket: Parisian autumn can be cool in the morning and mild in the afternoon.
Check Exact Times: Shows (Giselle, Akhnaten, recital) have specific times and sometimes additional sessions; check the official box office before leaving.
Suggested Itinerary for the Weekend
Friday, October 24: Morning — quick visit to a major exhibition (Louvre or Marmottan); Afternoon — Art Basel (Grand Palais); Evening — ballet “Giselle” at Palais Garnier.
Saturday, October 25: Morning — Design Miami/Paris (Hôtel de Maisons) or Paris Internationale; Afternoon — stroll through the neighborhood (Saint-Germain / Les Halles); Evening — Philip Glass / Akhnaten at the Philharmonie.
Sunday, October 26: Morning — Kandinsky exhibition or a more leisurely museum visit; Afternoon — fabric shop/antique shops or cafés in the Marais; Evening — piano recital at the Philharmonie or last visit to DISNEY100 if you haven’t yet had the chance.
This weekend of October 24–26, 2025, is ideal for art lovers (international fairs and major exhibitions), music enthusiasts (concerts and operas), and those who enjoy combining large events with neighborhood strolls. Remember to book your tickets for fairs and shows and check the closing times of exhibitions (some end on October 26). Enjoy your cultural stay in Paris!
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