Matisse 1941–1954 Exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris

Exhibition "Matisse. 1941–1954": The Birth of a New Language

The Grand Palais, in partnership with the Centre Pompidou, is hosting a major exhibition dedicated to the final years of Henri Matisse, from 24 March to 26 July 2026. From 1941 to 1954, the artist transformed physical constraints into a ground for radical innovation, giving birth to an unprecedented language rooted in light, pure colour and cut-out forms. Bringing together more than 300 works from prestigious international collections, this retrospective stands as one of the great artistic events of the year in Paris.

An Unmissable Figure of the 20th Century

Painter, draughtsman, sculptor, printmaker, Henri Matisse is one of the towering figures of modern art. A leading force of Fauvism, he left his mark on an entire generation of creators through his work with simple and abstract forms, his bold colour choices and his singular approach to composition. Instantly recognisable, his body of work has captivated the world and continues to influence contemporary art. This retrospective invites visitors to immerse themselves in a lesser-known period, yet one of the most fertile of his career.

The Gesture Stripped to Its Essence

At nearly 80 years old, Matisse did not slow down, he reinvented himself. The cut-out gouaches, made "with scissors", established themselves as a medium in their own right, the ultimate synthesis of a lifetime of exploration between line and colour. Far from being a fallback solution, this technique embodies the culmination of his work, while coexisting with painting, which remained at the heart of his practice. Conceived as an immersion into the artist's universe, the exhibition recreates a space in perpetual metamorphosis. Paintings, drawings, illustrated books, textiles and stained glass windows are brought into dialogue through a fluid scenography, revealing the multidisciplinary dimension of his work. Room by room, the journey unveils a vibrant, almost organic universe, where each space evokes a creative "garden" in constant evolution.

A Comprehensive Exhibition — With a Few Surprises

Spanning several levels of the Grand Palais, the exhibition brings together more than 300 works — from monumental canvases to smaller, more intimate drawings, from cohesive ensembles to singular pieces. Matisse enthusiasts will be delighted: the journey holds a few surprises and sheds new light on the artist's technique. For the curious, the exhibition offers a chance to encounter works celebrated the world over, some rarely displayed due to their fragility. A rare opportunity to see them united in Paris. Please note: the exhibition is expected to draw large crowds. Allow yourself plenty of time to fully appreciate each room without rushing.

Exhibition Highlights

• The iconic cut-out gouaches, including the celebrated Blue Nudes
• The Sadness of the King and the large monumental compositions
• The album Jazz, a manifesto of "drawing with scissors"
• The Interiors of Vence and Themes and Variations series
• The creations linked to the Chapelle du Rosaire, a total artwork blending art and spirituality

The entire team at Hôtel FABRIC remains at your disposal for any enquiries!

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