5 Must-See exhibitions in France this April

From Matisse's intimate portrayal of his eldest daughter to Julie Curtiss' highly anticipated debut solo exhibition with Gagosian, France has an array of captivating exhibitions. Highlights also include a deep dive into the last 25 years of David Hockney’s illustrious career and an exploration of Supports/Surfaces, the influential French art movement that revolutionized creative expression in the 1970s. Here’s our curated list of 5 must-see exhibitions happening across France this month. 

“Matisse and Marguerite: through her father's eyes” at Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris

From 4 April to 24 August 2025, the Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris will host Matisse and Marguerite: Through Her Father's Eyes, a deeply personal and visually exploration of Henri Matisse’s bond with his eldest daughter, Marguerite Duthuit-Matisse (1894–1982). This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to step into Matisse’s world and see Marguerite through his eyes. Featuring an exceptional collection of rarely displayed drawings, as well as major works from prestigious American, Swiss, and Japanese collections—many being shown in France for the very first time—it’s a celebration of artistry, and this enduring connection between father and daughter. Beyond the art itself, the exhibition reveals the story of Marguerite, who was not only Matisse’s most constant model but also a prime figure in his career. Through a chronological journey, visitors will discover photographs, archival treasures, and even paintings by Marguerite herself, painting a portrait of her little-known personality.

“David Hockney 25” at Fondation Louis Vuitton

The British painter's latest exhibition, David Hockney 25, features a collection of over 400 works spanning from 1955 to 2025, with a particular emphasis on the last 25 years of his career. At the eleven galleries of the Fondation Louis Vuitton, the exhibition highlights the continuous evolution of Hockney's subjects and artistic methods over the years, tracing his journey from his early days as a draftsman, mastering traditional academic techniques, to his ongoing exploration of new technologies. Visitors can expect to see a diverse range of works, including oil and acrylic paintings, ink, pencil, and charcoal drawings, digital artworks created on iPhones and iPads, photographic drawings, and immersive video installations. Curated by the esteemed Sir Norman Rosenthal, the exhibition also stands out for Hockney's personal involvement in shaping every sequence and designing each space. He collaborated closely with his partner and studio director, Jean-Pierre Gonçalves de Lima, as well as his assistant, Jonathan Wilkinson, to bring this vision to life. The exhibition is scheduled for 9 April 9 to 31 August 2025. 

“Suburban Lawns” at Gagosian gallery

Julie Curtiss' debut solo exhibition with Gagosian and her first-ever showcase in Paris offers an enigmatic journey through her signature acrylic and oil compositions, where familiar scenes are transformed into displays that explore exaggerated forms, vibrant colors, and rich textures. Curtiss' work invites viewers into a surreal realm, where faceless figures or fragmented forms are suspended in dreamlike pauses, evoking a subtle yet profound sense of unease. Drawing inspiration from Jungian psychoanalysis, she delves into themes of duality such as anima and animus or nature and nurture, creating pieces that pulse beneath her subjects’ skins. “I’m interested in systems building themselves and falling apart, in the cycle of chaos and order, and in the moment when something is pushed to its breaking point,” Curtiss explains, offering insight into her creative vision. The exhibition will run from 3 April to 31 May 2025.

“Partenaires particulaires” at Fondation CAB Saint-Paul de Vence

From 14 March to 31 October 2025, Fondation CAB Saint-Paul de Vence brings together a selection of works from the historic Supports/Surfaces movement, a pivotal group in the foundation of French contemporary art, both in painting and sculpture. Curated by Hugo Vitrani, renowned curator at Palais de Tokyo, the exhibition features pieces by legendary artists such as Claude Viallat, Louis Cane, Noël Dolla, Jean-Pierre Pincemin, and André-Pierre Arnal. In addition, the show includes works from contemporary artists like Kapwani Kiwanga, Brandon Ndife, Robert Overby, Ernest Breleur, Renée Levi, Jack O’Brien, Miho Dohi, Myriam Mihindou, Ladji Diaby, Torkwase Dyson, and Melinda Fourn. Vitrani's curatorial approach aims to peel back the glossy veneer of historic artists of the Supports/Surfaces movement to create disruptions that would modify any overly linear or obvious reading about the movement, to create a sense of displacement. This exhibition promises fresh insights into one of the most impactful movements in French contemporary art.

“Blue Takes Everything That Passes” at Musée Soulages Rodez 

Silence plays an important role in Geneviève Asse's work, and for good reason: a universe composed of blues and incident light, brushed in streaks or flat tints. From the austere still lifes of the 1940s to the ethereal nebulizations of white and gray on towering vertical canvases, and the shades of blue that take over her compositions, Asse’s artistry is a masterclass in transformation and feeling. Her works are where lines meet the infinite possibilities of blue, creating a world of metamorphosis and wonder. Musée Soulages Rodez presents nearly 60 years of her creative journey, showcasing over 70 pieces, including paintings, personal notebooks, and much more. The exhibition is open now and runs until 18 May 2025.