This year, Art Basel in Paris will be one to remember, not only has it been rebranded from Paris + to Art Basel Paris, but it will be held in one of the most iconic Parisian monuments: the Grand Palais that had previously been closed off due to construction. From the 18th to the 20th of October, Paris’ cultural heart will become a focal point for an exceptional display of finely curated works from the world's finest galleries.
The Grand Palais will make its big reopening during the Olympic Games after having undergone three years of renovation, and while it will host sport fanatics during summer, it will transform into a vibrant space for Contemporary Art in Autumn. The historical site definitely holds several surprises for dealers and visitors alike who will have access to the previously closed-off balconies to view the newly introduced sector: Premise, while the upstairs floor will be reserved for hospitality and the collector’s lounge. With the new site providing more space, the fair will expand by 26%, growing from 154 galleries in 2023 to 194 galleries this year, representing 42 territories. Visitor numbers are expected to exceed last year’s 38,000.
The fair will be structured across three exhibition sectors: Galeries, Emergence and Premise. Among the 51 first-time participants are New York’s Di Donna, showcasing early and mid-century modernism, Goodman Gallery with works by William Kentridge and Kapwani Kiwanga, and Labor from Mexico. One-third of the galleries are based in France, with industry leaders like Perrotin, Thaddaeus Ropac, Almine Rech, Templon, and David Zwirner present on the main floor. The Premise sector will feature nine galleries with unique curatorial proposals, including works possibly made before 1900.
With a promising program not yet announced, Art Basel has announced they will be hosting panel talks at the Petit Palais, just opposite the fair. These artist and industry player discussions and conferences will be organized by Pierre-Alexandre Mateos and Charles Teyssou.
Despite a slowdown in global art sales, France remains Europe’s second-largest art market after the United Kingdom, generating $4.6 billion in 2023. This year marks Art Basel’s fourth year in Paris, demonstrating that the event’s impact extends beyond mere transactions.
