5 Must-See Exhibitions in France to Brighten up your Winter

Picasso Blue and Rose

This exhibition is the first large-scale collaboration between the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée National Picasso. The grouping of masterpieces shines a light on a new interpretation of Picasso’s work between 1900 and 1906, a critical ‘blue and rose’ period in the artist’s early career.

Until January 6, 2019. www.musee-orsay.fr

King Louis-Philippe surrounded by his five sons leaving through the main gate of the Château de Versailles after having passed a military review in the courtyards, June 10, 1837

Louis Philippe and Versailles

This exhibition retraces the decision of King Louis Philippe, after his ascent to the throne in 1830, to transform part of the Palace of Versailles into a museum dedicated to the history of France.

Until February 3, 2019. www.chateauversailles.fr

Book of Hours, The Virgin Mary and the Unicorn Hunt, circa 1460
© Bibliothèque Méjanes, Aix-en-Provence

Magical Unicorns

The national museum of the Middle Ages, the Musée de Cluny, revisits the mysterious and ambivalent myth of the unicorn through a series of manuscripts, etchings, sculptures and tapestries. Note that the museum is currently undergoing an expansion project, and has a brand new entrance.

Until February 25, 2019. www.musee-moyenage.fr

Marc Chagall, L’Exode, 1952-1966 ©ADAGP/ RMN Grand Palais

Chagall, from Black and White to Colour

Through 100 paintings, sculptures and illustrations, the elegant Hôtel de Caumont in Aix-en-Provence explores a different dimension of Chagall’s works, focusing on the latter part of his artistic career.

Until March 24, 2019. www.caumont-centredart.com

Charles Fréger, Shishi-No-Kaïsha, 2013-2015 ©Charles Fréger

Yokainoshima, Spirits of Japan

Lyon’s Musée des Confluences examines the influence of the supernatural and a deeply-rooted belief in spirits on contemporary Japanese culture and its artistic offshoots, including manga, video games and cosplay.

Until August 25, 2019. www.museedesconfluences.fr

From France Today magazine