Paris Fashion Week Men’s SS26 may be in full swing, but catwalk shows aren’t the only thing causing a stir in the French capital this summer. Between now and the September shows, a wave of new fashion exhibitions is taking over the city – from Acne Studios’ new gallery space to Wolfgang Tillmans’ collection of rats, with Rick Owens even inviting visitors to bed. Here’s what to see.

RICK OWENS AT THE PALAIS GALLIERA 

This week, Rick Owens is set to present his SS26 men’s show. When it ends, the designer, his entourage, and the attendees will dash across Paris for the opening party of Owens’ major retrospective exhibition, Temple of Love at the Palais Galliera. The exhibition will feature never-before-seen works, over 100 fashion silhouettes, childhood books, a recreation of the Californian bedroom he shared with wife Michèle Lamy, as well as 30 brutalist sculptures – one of which depicts him, well, having a wazz. It charts his journey from LA to Paris and will run from June 28 to January 4. Get more information here. 

WOLFGANG TILLMANS AT THE POMPIDOU 

Before the Pompidou closes its doors for the next five years in September (it’s due to undergo some major renovation), Wolfgang Tillmans has been handed the keys to the museum’s public library, to stage his first solo Paris exhibition since 2002. Over 6,000 sq metres, the celebrated photographer displays work from throughout his 40-year career, including images from Arena Homme+ and Butt magazine, as well as a 90s series of rats disappearing into drains and rubbish bags. Very kindly, Celine has partnered with the Pompidou to offer visitors four days of free access. You’ve already missed the first, but if you want to bag a free ticket you’ll need to head there on either July 3, August 28 or the exhibition’s final day, Sept. 22. Get more information here. 

BALENCIAGA AT KERING HQ 

You’ve got exactly two weeks to catch Demna’s retrospective from his time at Balenciaga. On July 9 – the day the exhibition closes – the Georgian designer will stage his last Balenciaga show as creative director of the house. Then, he’s off to Gucci, where he was recently appointed creative director, replacing Sabato De Sarno. Upon arrival at the exhibition, you’ll discover the rejection email Demna received from Balenciaga when he applied for an internship in 2007, plus an array of past show invitations. There’s The Simpsons’ Balenciaga episode being screened on an open laptop, as well as eerily realistic mannequins of artist Eliza Douglas. There are 101 items to behold from Demna’s Balenciaga universe, but you best be quick about it, there’s only a 14-day window. Tickets can be reserved for free by appointment online.  

VISIT LA GALERIE DIOR 

Dior may be gearing up for its next chapter (Jonathan Anderson is set to make his debut at the brand this Friday, June 27), but first, it’s revisiting its own history. After announcing its permanent exhibition space in 2022, last month, La Galerie Dior opened its latest exhibition, featuring 150 mannequins, as well as original sketches, archival documents and photographs, too. As with every display held at the space, the exhibition is a celebration of the French house’s rich legacy. 

ACNE STUDIOS AT THE PALAIS ROYAL 

Acne Studios, alongside its bi-annual magazine Acne Paper, has transformed its beloved Palais Royal store into a gallery space. Having opened last week, the Swedish brand kicked things off with an exhibition by visual artist and photographer Paul Kooiker. It’s open to the public and will have a renewed exhibition programme every few weeks. Thanks to Acne, now you can get a dose of culture while you shop.