The metropolis of France clinched the title of World Cultural Capital for 2025, an achievement not without its intended purpose.
Paris, the city of lights, is set to dazzle once again as it prepares for a cultural extravaganza throughout 2025. A unique blend of heritage and ephemeral art, Paris is poised to disrupt routines and captivate visitors with an array of events and exhibitions.
Immersive Experiences and Historical Re-enactments
The Château de Versailles will host two enchanting events this year. From June 7 to September 20, the Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes will illuminate the gardens with fountains and fireworks, offering nighttime strolls that promise to be unforgettable. On the other hand, La Sérénade Royale (June 7 to September 13, also July 14 and August 15) will transport visitors back to the court of the Sun King with baroque dancers, sword fights, and theatrical skits in various royal locations.
Design Celebrations and Art Exhibitions
Paris Design Week (September 4 to 13) will celebrate design in furniture, interior architecture, decorative arts, and gastronomy, with exhibitions, meetings, and walking tours across the city. Meanwhile, the Rock en Seine Festival will offer music, art, and cultural celebrations over five days in August 2025.
Major Art Exhibitions
The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaïsme will explore the historical and cultural impact of the Dreyfus affair on justice and civil rights until August 31. The Musée Marmottan Monet will showcase works from the foundational Impressionist, Eugene Boudin, until the same date. The Natural History Museum will focus on the ecological and environmental aspects of desert life, while the Desert biodiversity exhibition will run until November 30.
David Hockney's landscapes will also be featured in an exhibition, offering dynamic and vivid reinterpretations of natural scenes.
Photography Festivals and Performing Arts
Les Rencontres de la Photographie in Arles and the Avignon Festival will offer a diverse range of photography exhibitions, screenings, concerts, and performances, showcasing the best in contemporary performing arts.
Extended Museum Hours and Exhibitions
The Musée d'Orsay, the Palais de Tokyo, and the Jeu de Paume have extended their opening hours, offering visitors more opportunities to explore these cultural institutions. The Grand Palais, which has recently reopened its doors, is currently hosting a dazzling exhibition dedicated to Dolce & Gabbana. The Centre Pompidou is giving carte blanche to German artist Wolfgang Tillmans for an exhibition on level 2 of the Public Information Library.
The European Night of Museums
The European Night of Museums will take place in Paris, offering extended hours and diverse events across the city's cultural institutions. The Bourse de Commerce in Paris has been transformed into a contemporary showcase for the Pinault collection.
Despite the Centre Pompidou's temporary closure, Paris's cultural institutions, such as the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay, summarize the history of art through the centuries. The Palais de Tokyo celebrates the avant-garde, while Paris integrates creation into various public spaces, including streets, walls, courtyards, and buildings.
Paris is expected to shine with a cultural brilliance like no other in 2025, earning its place as the best cultural city in a global survey conducted by Time Out. This city, at the crossroads of heritage and ephemeral art, promises an unforgettable cultural experience for all.
During the extended hours on the European Night of Museums, visitors can immerse themselves in Paris's rich cultural scene, with events at various locations like the Bourse de Commerce showcasing the Pinault collection.
In 2025, travelers seeking entertainment can attend the Paris Design Week to admire design pieces in furniture, interior architecture, and gastronomy, or the Rock en Seine Festival for music, art, and cultural celebrations.
