Gianni Versace at the Musée Maillol: the must-see exhibition of summer 2026 in Paris.
Categories : Exhibition, published on : 6/25/26
Gianni Versace in Paris: the first major retrospective since 1986
For fashion lovers, this summer's highlight is unmissable. The Musée Maillol is dedicating a landmark retrospective to Gianni Versace, one of the most influential and flamboyant figures in international fashion history. Opening on 5 June 2026, the exhibition marks the first major showcase of the designer's work in France in forty years.
What to expect from the exhibition
Nearly 450 pieces are brought together: original creations, accessories, sketches, photographs and rare video archives that offer a complete portrait of Versace's work. The scenography, designed by Nathalie Crinière, embraces a resolutely pop aesthetic, very much in keeping with the designer's own spirit.
The exhibition traces his early years in Calabria, the influence of Greek statuary and Catholic iconography, his fascination with the Baroque, and the opulent prints that became his worldwide signature. An entire career told through exceptional pieces, several of which are on public display for the first time.
Why this exhibition matters
Having already been presented to great acclaim in London, Berlin and Málaga, the retrospective arrives in Paris at a particularly meaningful moment. As the world's fashion capital, the city provides a fitting backdrop for this tribute, coming thirty years after the designer's death and what would have been his 80th birthday.
Getting there from Hôtel Fabric
From Hôtel Fabric on rue de la Folie-Méricourt in the 11th arrondissement, the Musée Maillol is around thirty minutes away by public transport. Take line 9 from Saint-Ambroise station towards Pont de Sèvres, then change at Saint-Augustin for line 12 towards Mairie d'Issy. Get off at Rue du Bac: the museum is a one-minute walk away, at 61 rue de Grenelle. The Wednesday late-night opening, until 10pm, is the ideal way to avoid the crowds and enjoy the exhibition at a quieter pace.
Practical information
Musée Maillol, 61 rue de Grenelle, Paris 7th. Open daily from 10:30am to 6:30pm, late opening on Wednesdays until 10pm. Metro line 12, Rue du Bac station, or lines 10/12 Sèvres-Babylone
Photo ©Birgit Roosipuu - Unsplash