This article from a Parisian events guide rounds up ten exhibitions to see over the Whitsun weekend (May 23–25, 2026) in Paris and Île-de-France. Highlights include a show of works by artist-patients at the Art and History Museum of Sainte-Anne Hospital, maritime paintings at the Navy Museum, a Papua New Guinea-themed exhibition at the Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Museum, an interactive socially engaged show called "Ne Pas Toucher" in the Marais, a Louvre exhibition on water in ancient Mesopotamia, and a major Hilma af Klint retrospective at the Grand Palais in collaboration with the Centre Pompidou.
Why it matters: This article serves as a practical cultural guide for locals and tourists during a holiday weekend, showcasing the diversity of Paris's museum offerings—from institutional blockbusters to niche historical and socially engaged shows. It highlights how museums remain open and accessible during public holidays, and it underscores the city's role as a global hub for both canonical and experimental visual art exhibitions.