Paris Unveiled: Where Art, Fashion, and Fragrance Collide in This Autumn’s Top 5 Exhibitions

With Art Basel Paris having just wrapped up and Paris Photo now underway, the city is brimming with exhibitions that weave together art, fashion, and fragrance in unexpected, captivating ways. Among the season’s highlights was Miu Miu’s “Tales and Tellers” at Palais d'Iéna, an official Art Basel partner project that celebrated storytelling through the lens of femininity. Conceived by interdisciplinary artist Goshka Macuga and curated by Elvira Dyangani Ose, the exhibition transformed the space with Miu Miu’s “Women’s Tales” film series, live performances, and panel discussions, creating a layered exploration of the female gaze and the complexities of womanhood. If you missed this enchanting project, worry not because Paris still has plenty to offer this autumn with exhibitions that invite you to lose yourself in worlds of art, beauty, culture, intimacy, and introspection. Here are the season’s must-sees:

1. Guerlain’s “Good Morning Korea” at Maison Guerlain

Running through November 12, this exhibition immerses visitors in the evolving art of South Korea, showcasing works from 17 artists across generations. Curated by Hervé Mikaeloff, the exhibit presents a rich mix of styles, from Nam June Paik’s pioneering video art to Lee Bul’s futuristic cyborg sculptures. Guerlain’s iconic fragrances accompany the journey, connecting scent and art to evoke culture, memory, and the dreamscape of Korea’s creativity. Step into Maison Guerlain, and let the experience awaken your senses.

At Maison Guerlain, 68 avenue des Champs-Elysées, 75008 Paris.

2. “Corps In-visibles” at Musée Rodin

Through March 2, 2025, this exhibition delves into the art of sculpting the human form, beginning with Rodin’s famed robe for his Balzac sculpture. Historical pieces, such as Rodin’s, enter into a thoughtful conversation with contemporary works like Thomas J. Price’s portrayal of a Black woman in a jogging suit, urging viewers to reflect on beauty, visibility, and societal ideals. The layered exchange between past and present offers a moving contemplation on identity and representation, inviting each visitor to find themselves within these timeless forms.

At Musée Rodin, 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France

3. “Private Lives: From the Bedroom to Social Media” at Musée des Arts Décoratifs

Through March 30, 2025, “Private Lives” explores the evolution of intimacy and personal space, from the elegance of 18th-century boudoirs to today’s carefully staged social media worlds. Curated by Christine Macel, this exhibition showcases 470 works, including lipstick tubes, toiletry pots, Off-White phone cases, and even designer-crafted sex toys, reflecting how personal items mirror cultural shifts.

Highlights include Nan Goldin’s evocative photographs, an 18th-century commode disguised as a stack of books, Erwin Blumenfeld’s sensual portraits, and perfume bottles from Guerlain and Caron. From mirrors and daybeds to Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec’s treehouse-inspired bed, “Private Lives” rethinks privacy in a world where our personal lives are increasingly public.

At Musée des Arts Décoratifs, 107 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris.

4. “Pop Forever, Tom Wesselmann &…” at Fondation Louis Vuitton

Running through February 24, 2025, Fondation Louis Vuitton’s “Pop Forever, Tom Wesselmann &…” brings Tom Wesselmann into the spotlight in Paris, celebrating his essential role in American Pop Art. Known for transforming symbols of mid-century Americana like a glass of milk, a sandwich, or a cigarette box into bold, large-scale collage paintings, Wesselmann focused on color and composition to create impactful images. While his fascination with everyday objects was primarily visual, he also integrated actual items like ringing phones, radios, and black-and-white TVs running on contemporary channels today, adding a sensorial layer that connects his work to the present and makes it feel “forever Pop.”

Curated by Dieter Buchhart and Anna Karina Hofbauer, this expansive exhibition showcases Wesselmann’s work alongside iconic Pop Art figures such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Mickalene Thomas. “Pop Forever” reaffirms Wesselmann’s lasting influence, his joyful exploration of beauty in the everyday, and the timeless, celebratory nature of Pop Art itself.

At Fondation Louis Vuitton, 8 Av. du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116 Paris.

5. “Olga de Amaral” at Fondation Cartier

Through March 16, 2025, Fondation Cartier’s retrospective of Colombian artist Olga de Amaral celebrates her pioneering role in textile art. Nearly 80 works spanning her six-decade career showcase Amaral’s innovative techniques with materials like goldleaf, gesso, and horsehair, elevating textiles into powerful, sculptural forms. This exhibition emphasizes the strength and innovation within textile art, a medium historically sidelined due to its association with decorative arts and women’s work, redefined here as a bold and monumental form of expression.

Amaral’s large, three-dimensional pieces reflect the landscapes, colors, and cultural heritage of Colombia, drawing viewers into a sensory and meditative experience. Key series such as "Estelas" and "Brumas" highlight her use of weaving, braiding, and gilding, challenging the boundaries between painting, sculpture, and installation. Architect Lina Ghotmeh designed the exhibition space as a contemplative landscape, resonating with Amaral’s themes and celebrating her bold contributions to the evolution of textile art.

At Fondation Cartier, 261 Bd Raspail, 75014 Paris.