Paris is brimming with cultural treasures. Among them, the exhibition La Marine et les peintres from May 13 to August 2, 2026, stands out this summer. A must-see event at the National Maritime Museum, nestled in 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 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 set sail for this unforgettable Paris outing? Discover how art has navigated 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. (See below).
Note:
Exhibition open from May 13 to August 2, 2026
Opening hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily except Tuesdays.
Late opening every first Thursday of the month until 10:00 PM (evacuation begins 30 minutes before museum closure)
Last entry 1 hour before closing.
And if you love art, don’t miss our guide to the Impressionist painters in Paris. Another facet of Paris’s cultural richness.
Museum entry reservations for the Impressionist painters:
When art sets sail: the birth of a genre under the reign of Louis XIII
The reign of Louis XIII marks a turning point. Maritime art and painters begin their shared history. Paris becomes the stage for an artistic revolution. The seas, once absent from canvases, emerge as a major subject.
It all starts with Richelieu. The cardinal-minister strengthens the French fleet. He understands the power of images. Artists are commissioned to immortalize these ships. Their mission? To glorify the nascent maritime power.
The first naval paintings appear. They blend realism and symbolism. Sailing ships cut through the waves beneath dramatic skies. These works serve royal propaganda. They pave 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 Musée du Palais de Chaillot in Paris traces four centuries of art and power. A Paris outing that delves into the origins of a fascinating art.
Eager to delve deeper into French history? Discover the final days of Louis XVI, or explore 800 years of history on 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 the painters became inseparable. The royal power understood the importance of imagery. Louis XV commissioned works to glorify his fleet. Joseph Vernet emerged as the master of the genre.
His canvases capture the power of ships and the majesty of ports. The Palais de Chaillot Museum in Paris preserves these treasures. They recount four centuries of art and power. A union between brushes and cannons.
Vernet is not alone. Other artists immortalize maritime exploits. Their works serve royal propaganda. They celebrate victories and mask defeats. A must-see cultural event 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.
Book your Versailles entry: Castles/Domain/Gardens/Transport/Combined tickets
The Navy and the Painters: Four Centuries of Art in Paris – Glory, Tragedy, and Naval Battles Immortalized by the Masters
The Navy and painters have often joined forces to capture the intensity of naval combat. These paintings, far more than mere representations, recount pivotal 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 in Paris, these works come to life. Visitors can discover scenes such as the Battle of Trafalgar, where Turner captured the horror of flames and shipwrecks. Or the victories of Suffren, rendered with military precision. Every detail matters—from torn sails to the faces of sailors.
This cultural event is a journey through four centuries of art and power. The painters played a political role here, glorifying achievements or denouncing failures. A must-see outing in Paris that blends history and emotion.
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 the light on water.
From Realism to Abstraction: When the Sea Inspires the Avant-Garde
The 19th century marked a turning point. Seascapes and painters no longer merely glorified battles. Artists explored the sea as a source of emotion. The Impressionists, like Monet, captured its ever-changing reflections. Their canvases shimmer 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 marine element.
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 day trip in Paris 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 blending history and modernity. Perfect for a stroll in Paris this summer, 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 is a unique dive into the history of French maritime culture. 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.
Perfect for a day out in Paris with family or friends, this artistic journey appeals to all ages. Children love the naval battle scenes. Art enthusiasts appreciate the stylistic evolutions of the genre.
Take the opportunity to explore other Parisian treasures. After the exhibition, why not stroll to Sacré-Cœur? Or discover the Impressionist masters in other museums around the capital?
An aesthetic and historical experience that enriches your visit to Paris. Book now to avoid the queues. Summer is the ideal season to combine culture and relaxation in the City of Light.
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Having trouble finding the right word or phrase in French? Click here on PHRASEBOOK – or in the top right corner of your screen. It’s a lexicon of 100 useful words and/or expressions for a tourist visiting Paris (At the restaurant, Hotel, Shopping, Metro, Greetings, Asking for directions, etc.). Eight languages are available. And here’s the best part? Each word and phrase can also be heard in French.
