Must-see exhibitions in Paris during the summer olympics

In the French capital this summer, it’s all about sports, but there’s more to enjoy. Museums and cultural institutions are presenting an exciting series of events. We have curated a selection of those you won’t want to miss.

With the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, the streets and museums of the French capital are preparing to celebrate this global event with a series of exhibitions that blend art, culture, and sport. From July 26 to August 11, according to Euromonitor International, the city will host over 15 million visitors, including 2 million from abroad. 

The opening ceremony, taking place along the Seine, will see the participation of over 500,000 spectators, with 100,000 people paying to sit on the stands along the riverbanks to watch the parade of boats carrying the delegations with athletes. Immediately after the Olympics, the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8 will see 4,400 athletes competing in 24 disciplines. This edition is particularly significant as Paris will host the Games for the third time, following the 1900 and 1924 editions. An interesting anecdote about the latter edition is that it inspired the 1981 British film "Chariots of Fire," accompanied by the iconic Vangelis soundtrack, further strengthening the link between sport and pop culture.

Plaster cast of a red-figure amphora from the exhibition “Olympism, Modern Invention, Ancient Legacy” at the Louvre. © École française d'Athènes

From the beginning, there was a desire to create cultural events to accompany the Games. Thus, the idea of a series of cultural events that, from mid-May to July 25, bring art and sport into dialogue around Olympic and Paralympic values was born. Dominique Hervieu, the cultural director of the event, explains: "Based on a manuscript by Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games, museums like the Louvre, Orsay, Orangerie, Musée du Quai Branly, and Centre Pompidou have joined forces to propose a gigantic 'treasure hunt' (titled 'Cinq musées en jeux'). Additionally, following the 'Grand Paris' project, the Métropolitaine will celebrate contemporary art and sport with events spread across 13 locations, including exhibitions, performances, workshops, conferences, screenings, and a performance project by artist Maxime Rossi.

Culture and sport have always walked hand in hand in Olympic history.

Culture and sport have always walked hand in hand in Olympic history. In 1904, Pierre de Coubertin proposed integrating the arts into the Games to celebrate sports and athletes through artistic works. For over a century, these two worlds have observed and dialogued with each other, sharing admiration and values: the pursuit of beauty and 'perfection,' the desire to impress and leave a mark. Each illuminates the other, intertwining imaginations and creating connections under the banner of universalism.

As mentioned, the Parisian museums will offer a rich calendar of exhibits all summer long, some of them specifically dedicated to the Olympic competition. Here are seven must-see exhibitions to accompany your summer itinerary of culture and sports from July to September.

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