Sources: Paris Convention and Visitors Office, Paris Mayor's Office
The following guide applies to February 2013.
Seasonal Events
- Celebrating Valentine's Day in Paris
If you're lucky enough to be planning Valentine's Day in Paris with someone you love, you're not likely to come away disappointed. The city of light seems to be synonymous with romance, so finding things to do for this special occasion shouldn't prove too difficult.
Also See: Most Romantic Things to Do in Paris -
Ice-skating rinks: Every winter, ice-skating rinks are set up at several locations around the city. Admission is free (not including skate rental).
Read More: Winter Ice Skating in Paris (2012-2013 locations)
- Chinese New Year Celebrations: Celebrate the year of the water snake in 2013 starting February 10th by consulting our guide to Chinese new year 2013 in Paris (precise details to be announced soon).
- Edward Hopper Retrospective
A major and much-anticipated retrospective on the work of American painter Edward Hopper is expected to be among the Grand Palais' most-attended exhibits this year. Buy tickets early if you want to get a chance to see firsthand works from the artist famous for his lighthouses and late-night diner scenes. The massive retrospective is divided into two parts: the first highlighting influences on the young artist, who spent several years living in Paris, and the second part tracing the evolution of artist's work into its more mature phase, with signature paintings such as his 1942 "Nighthawks".
Location: Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais
When: Through January 28th, 2013
- Vincent Van Gogh - Dreaming of Japan and Hiroshige- The Art of Travel
This joint exhibition at the Pinacotheque gallery near Madeleine highlights a lesser-known Japanese painter whose work influenced the likes of Vincent Van Gogh and several Impressionist painters. Underlining that Hiroshige was one of Dutch artist Van Gogh's main influences, the exhibit invites visitors to compare the work of the Japanese master to several works by the artist best known for his "Starry Night". The Van Gogh exhibition includes 40 works, mostly landscapes, with a focus on those informed by Japanese painting techniques. It's recommended that you purchase a joint ticket to see both exhibits, although if you prefer to see only one, you can buy a ticket for one or the other.
Location: Pinacotheque de Paris
28 place de la Madeleine
Metro: Madeleine or Opera
When: Through March 17th, 2013.
- Trompe l'oeil (Tricking the Eye)
A show which opened last month at Paris's Arts Décoratifs museum celebrates the "trompe l'oeil" technique and the complex art of deception. The exhibit features over 400 works, from paintings and sculpture to textiles, highlighting techniques of trickery originating in ancient Greece.
Location: Musee des arts decoratifs
107 rue de Rivoli,1st arrondissement
Metro: Louvre-Rivoli or Palais Royal
Tel: +33 (0)144 55 57 50
When: Through November 2013
Visit the official website
Read our full review here
- Art at War: France 1938-1947 (From Picasso to Dubuffet
The Modern Art Museum of the City of Paris is concentrating on the years around World War II and the impact its unprecedented traumas had on European artists such as Pablo Picasso and Sonia Delauney, or German artists banned by the Nazi regime, including Kandinsky and Klee. A fascinating and powerful retrospective puts one of Europe's darker (but also intensely creative and soulful) periods of history under the spotlight,and draws interesting connections with artists who are not always associated with one another.
Where: Musee d'art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
When: Through February 17th, 2013
- The Michael Warner Collection
The Modern Art Museum of the City of Paris is also hosting an exhibit showing the holdings of one of the twentieth century's most extraordinary collectors, bringing together over 900 paintings and other works from artists including Yves Klein, Francis Picabia, Otto Dix or André Derain. The show offers fascinating perspective on the evolution of several major 20th century schools of painting and sculpture, including the "Paris School".
When: Through March 3rd, 2013.
Where: Centre Georges Pompidou
