Discover Sporty Paris Exhibitions During the Olympics

Excitement is building as the Olympic Games fast approach, promising to transform Paris into a veritable epicenter of world athletics. Beyond the stadiums and fields of competition, the French capital also comes alive with a rich cultural program celebrating sport in all its forms. In this article, we invite you to discover a selection of must-see exhibitions exploring the relationship between art and sport, in tribute to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. From the history of the games to the influence of sport in contemporary art, these exhibitions offer a unique perspective on the cultural and historical impact of global sporting events. 

To guide you through this vast cultural offering, we’ve selected the exhibitions we felt were most relevant and grouped them by location, between the left and right banks of the Seine. Whether you’re a history buff, a contemporary art enthusiast or simply curious to discover how sport inspires creativity, our selection will enable you to take full advantage of the artistic effervescence reigning in Paris in the run-up to the Olympic Games.

Prepare to be amazed by the diversity and richness of the exhibitions celebrating the sporting spirit and Olympism across the ages and artistic disciplines.

“Olympism” at the Musée du Louvre

April 24 – September 16

Among the most emblematic exhibitions not to be missed, the Louvre presents an exceptional retrospective entitled “Olympism: The Legacy of the Games”. Located in the heart of the Right Bank, this exhibition explores the history and evolution of the Olympic Games from antiquity to the present day. Visitors will be able to admire a unique collection of artifacts, sculptures and paintings that illustrate the celebration of body and spirit through the centuries.

From statues of Greek gods to modern representations of athletes, the exhibition highlights how the Olympic Games have inspired artists and influenced artistic movements. It also offers a perspective on the Olympic values of peace, respect and excellence, highlighting their relevance to contemporary society.

The Louvre, with its majestic setting, offers an immersive experience where art and sport meet, celebrating the universal legacy of the Olympic Games. A must-see for anyone wishing to understand the cultural and historical impact of this global event. 

Practical information: 
Venue: Galerie Richelieu
Tel : +33 (0)1 40 20 53 17
Price: €12 & reduced price: €9
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 9pm 

“En Jeu” at the Musée Marmottan Monet

April 4 – September 1

On the right bank of Paris, the Musée Marmottan Monet presents “En Jeu”, a unique exhibition exploring the link between sport and Impressionism. Visitors can discover works by Monet, Renoir and Degas, illustrating scenes of horse racing, regattas and sporting pastimes.
“En Jeu” highlights the importance of movement and light in the representation of sports, while examining their social and cultural role in the 19th century. The intimate, elegant setting of the Musée Marmottan Monet provides the ideal atmosphere for this artistic exploration, which promises to delight art and sports enthusiasts alike, while offering an opportunity to rediscover the charm of Impressionism from a new angle.

Practical information: 
Location: 2 Rue Louis Boilly, 75016 Paris
Tel: +33(0)1 44 96 50 83
Price: €20 & reduced price: from €7
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm, nocturne on Thursday at 9 pm

“Le Corps en Mouvement” at the Petit Palais

May 15 – November 17

Discover the exhibition “Le Corps en Mouvement” at the Petit Palais, a captivating artistic exploration that celebrates the beauty and grace of human movement. This exhibition highlights how artists have captured the energy and dynamics of the body through the ages.

Through sculptures, paintings and photographs, visitors can admire works that illustrate the variety of human movement, whether from sport, dance or everyday life. “Le Corps en Mouvement” offers an in-depth reflection on how movement has been represented and interpreted by artists across different eras and cultures.

Nestled in the heart of the Petit Palais, this elegant and refined setting enriches the artistic experience, offering an immersive immersion in the expression of movement in art. Don’t miss this captivating exhibition, which promises to awaken your senses and inspire you with the grace of the body in motion.

Practical information:
Location: Avenue Winston-Churchill 75008 Paris
Tel: 01 53 43 40 00
Admission: Free
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm

More exhibitions to discover

Panthéon : Paralympic History:
From Integration in Sport to Social Inclusion (1948-2024)

June 11 – September 29

Musée du Luxembourg : MATCH Design & Sport
– A Story Looking to the Future

March 13 – August 11

Fondation Cartier : Matthew Barney SECONDARY

June 8th – September 8th 

Musée d’Art Moderne : various displays in the collections relating to Olympism and sport

Until September 15th

Fondation Louis Vuitton : STORYTELLING TOUR
– “The Olympiade of colors”

May 11 – September 1th