The 28th edition of Art Paris is scheduled to captivate art enthusiasts at the Grand Palais from April 9 to 12, 2026. This esteemed annual gathering for modern and contemporary art will host 165 galleries, fostering a dynamic interchange between French and international artistic expressions. Visitors will delve into themes exploring the intricate relationship between linguistics and art's capacity for healing, all set within one of Paris's most iconic architectural treasures.
Art Paris 2026 is distinguished by two central curatorial themes. Loïc Le Gall, director of the Passerelle Centre d’Art Contemporain, is curating 'Babel — Art and Language in France.' This section will highlight 21 artists, including figures like Fabrice Hyber, Laure Prouvost, and the late Ben Vautier, whose works delve into sign systems and linguistic structures in French contemporary art. Their creations examine the essence of letters, the inherent tension in communication, and the widespread dissemination of words across various platforms.
Concurrently, Alexia Fabre, Executive Director of the Centre Pompidou Francilien, leads the 'Reparation' theme with a global perspective. This segment features 20 international artists, such as Otobong Nkanga and Kader Attia, who explore art's role in addressing physical and symbolic restoration. The artists delve into concepts of recovery, untold historical narratives, and the resilience needed to rebuild shattered realities.
The fair also champions new talent through its 'Promises' sector, situated on the Grand Palais's southern balconies. This section is dedicated to galleries established for under a decade, featuring 27 exhibitors from around the world, with women artists comprising over half of the participants. The aim is to provide a springboard for fresh artistic voices from diverse cities globally. Additionally, the 'Solo Show' sector offers 25 monographic exhibitions, enabling visitors to engage deeply with the works of modern and contemporary artists, including Joël Andrianomearisoa and Fabienne Verdier.
The French Design Art Edition, having made a successful debut, returns to the northern balconies. Curated by Jean-Paul Bath and Sandy Saad, this sector showcases approximately fifteen exhibitors presenting exclusive and limited-edition design pieces. This celebration of 'art de vivre' is further enriched by the 'Le Fonds d’art contemporain – Paris Collections' exhibition. Curated by Julie Gandini, this project complements the 'Reparation' theme by featuring 20th-century artists from Africa and the Americas, who are often underrepresented in public collections, thereby promoting institutional recognition.
Excellence continues to be recognized at the event through three significant awards. The BNP Paribas Banque Privée Prize celebrates an artist prominent in the French art scene, chosen from the 'Babel' exhibition. The Her Art Prize, in collaboration with Marie Claire and Maison Boucheron, honors a female artist for her distinctive career and transformative work. Lastly, the Le FRENCH DESIGN 100 award ceremony, supported by the Ministry of Culture, acknowledges 100 outstanding interior design and design projects that promote French creativity worldwide. A final winner from designers, manufacturers, and master craftsmen is selected, marking a pivotal moment for the French design ecosystem.