Paris is brimming with cultural treasures. Among them, the exhibition La Marine et les peintres (The Navy and the Painters) from May 13 to August 2, 2026, stands out this summer. A must-see event at the National Maritime Museum, nestled within the Palais de Chaillot, 17 Place du Trocadéro, 75016 Paris. Four centuries of art and power are celebrated here, blending maritime history with masterpieces of painting.
Why is this exhibition unique? It reveals how the sea inspired some of the greatest artists. From Louis XIII’s ships to the avant-garde of the 20th century, each canvas tells a story of its time. A fascinating dive into the evolution of art, where naval power meets creative genius.
Ready to embark on this unforgettable Paris outing? Discover how art has sailed between glory and tragedy, realism and abstraction. A journey through time at the heart of the capital. To plan your visit, explore our tips for optimizing your stay in Paris.
And if you love art, don’t miss our guide to the Impressionist painters of Paris. Another facet of Paris’s rich cultural heritage.
Note:
Exhibition open from May 13 to August 2, 2026
Opening hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, except Tuesdays.
Late opening on the first Thursday of each month until 10:00 PM (evacuation begins 30 minutes before museum closure)
Last entry 1 hour before closing.
When Art Set Sail: The Birth of a Genre Under the Reign of Louis XIII
The reign of Louis XIII marked a turning point. La Marine et les peintres began their shared history then. Paris became the stage for an artistic revolution. The seas, once absent from canvases, emerged as a major subject.
It all started with Richelieu. The cardinal-minister strengthened the French fleet. He understood the power of images. Artists were commissioned to immortalize these ships. Their mission? To glorify the nascent naval power.
The first naval paintings appeared. They blended realism and symbolism. Sailing ships cut through the waves beneath dramatic skies. These works served royal propaganda. They paved the way for the genre’s peak under Louis XIV.
To discover this pivotal era, don’t miss the cultural event of the moment. The Palais de Chaillot Museum in Paris traces four centuries of art and power. An unforgettable Paris outing that delves into the origins of a fascinating art form.
Eager to dive deeper into French history? Discover the final days of Louis XVI, or explore 800 years of history in the Île de la Cité.
The Navy and the Painters in the Spotlight: Vernet and the Artists in the Service of Power
In the 18th century, the Navy and painters became inseparable. The royal power understood the importance of image. Louis XV commissioned works to glorify his fleet. Joseph Vernet established himself as the master of the genre.
His canvases capture the power of ships and the majesty of ports. The Musée du Palais de Chaillot in Paris preserves these treasures. They tell the story of four centuries of art and power. An alliance between brushes and cannons.
Vernet was not alone. Other artists immortalized maritime exploits. Their works served royal propaganda. They celebrated victories and masked defeats. A cultural event not to be missed this summer.
To extend the experience, explore the history of Versailles. Or discover the Franco-American alliance, another symbol of naval power.
A Paris outing that blends art and history. To be enjoyed without moderation.
The Navy and the Painters: Between Glory and Tragedy, or Naval Battles Immortalized by the Masters
The Navy often joined forces with painters to capture the intensity of naval combat. These canvases, far more than simple representations, tell key moments in history. They oscillate between triumph and disaster, between national pride and human tragedy.
At the Musée National de la Marine / Palais de Chaillot, Paris, these works come to life. Here, you can discover scenes like the Battle of Trafalgar, where Turner captured the horror of flames and shipwrecks. Or the victories of Suffren, painted with military precision. Every detail matters, from torn sails to the faces of sailors.
This cultural event is a dive into four centuries of art and power. The painters played a political role here, glorifying achievements or denouncing failures. A Paris outing that combines history and emotion, not to be missed.
To extend the experience, also explore the Franco-American alliance of 1778, where the French navy changed the course of history. Or discover how the Impressionists reinvented light on water.
From Realism to Abstraction: When the Sea Inspires the Avant-Garde
The 19th century marked a turning point. Marine and painters no longer contented themselves with glorifying battles. Artists explored the sea as a source of emotion. The Impressionists, like Monet, captured its ever-changing reflections. Their canvases vibrate with light and movement.
In the 20th century, abstraction took hold of the theme. Waves became pure forms, vibrant colors. Nicolas de Staël and Pierre Soulages transformed the ocean into visual energy. Their art broke with realism. It celebrated the raw power of the sea.
This cultural event at the National Maritime Museum / Palais de Chaillot reveals this evolution. Four centuries of art and power engage in dialogue here. A must-do Paris outing not to be missed to understand how the sea inspired the avant-garde. To extend the experience, also discover the Impressionist masters in Paris.
A artistic journey that blends history and modernity. Perfect for a summer stroll in Paris, between tradition and boldness.
Why is this exhibition a must-see of the Parisian summer?
The exhibition La Marine et les peintres. Quatre siècles d’art et de pouvoir (The Navy and the Painters: Four Centuries of Art and Power) offers a unique dive into French maritime history. It reveals how the sea shaped our culture and identity. A cultural event not to be missed this summer in Paris.
The National Maritime Museum / Palais de Chaillot provides an exceptional setting for this retrospective. Its collections blend classical masterpieces and bold creations. A rare opportunity to discover rarely exhibited paintings.
Ideal for a Paris outing with family or friends, this artistic journey appeals to all ages. Children love the naval battle scenes. Art lovers appreciate the stylistic evolutions of the genre.
Make the most of it to explore other Parisian treasures. After the exhibition, why not wander towards Sacré-Cœur? Or discover the Impressionist masters in other museums across the capital?
An aesthetic and historical rendezvous that enriches your visit to Paris. Book now to avoid queues. Summer is the ideal season to combine culture and relaxation in the City of Light.