In Paris, a major retrospective at the Grand Palais celebrates the final years of creation of the celebrated French painter Henri Matisse. A vibrant journey not to be missed, revealing an artist of remarkable boldness.
Since 24 March, the Grand Palais has been hosting a landmark exhibition devoted to Henri Matisse. Simply titled Matisse 1941–1954, it explores this pivotal period when the celebrated French artist — already advanced in age — radically reinvented his visual language.
A deep dive into the artist’s world in Paris
Bringing together more than 300 works, this retrospective stands out for its remarkable richness. Paintings, drawings, illustrated books, textiles and stained glass pieces shape a dense and captivating journey. At the heart of the exhibition are also the famous cut-out gouaches that Henri Matisse used to create modular compositions. Through them, he simplified forms, played with bold blocks of colour and invented an entirely new artistic language. Art lovers will also recognise some of the painter’s most iconic works, including Interiors of Vence, the Jazz album and the Blue Nudes series.
Conceived as an open window onto Henri Matisse’s prolific universe, the exhibition draws visitors into his studio as if they were there. Room after room, this immersive approach captures the full intensity of the artist’s creative energy during the last thirteen years of his life.
A collection inspired by Henri Matisse’s colours
The Matisse 1941–1954 exhibition extends beyond the gallery walls. The Grand Palais boutique unveils five exclusive collections inspired by the master’s work, including one created in collaboration with Maison Matisse.
Built around iconic motifs, a selection of accessories, ready-to-wear pieces and stationery items allows visitors to take a piece of the experience home.
Matisse 1941–1954 exhibition
Until 26 July 2026
Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 7:30 pm
Late opening on Fridays until 10 pm
Grand Palais
17 Avenue du Général Eisenhower
75008 Paris
grandpalais.fr
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