Grand Palais, first large-scale art fair after 100 years of transformation

The 28th Art Paris will be held at the Grand Palais in Paris, France from April 9 to 12, 2026. This event is attracting attention because it is the first large-scale art fair held at the Grand Palais after extensive restoration work in more than a century.

The Grand Palais is a 77,000 square meter historical building built for the 1900 Paris World Exhibition. The restoration work carried out under the direction of Chatillon Architectes restored the original sense of space while remaking it for modern use. Previously inaccessible areas were reopened, new exhibition spaces were added, and visitor flow was significantly improved.

165 galleries from over 20 countries in one place

About 165 galleries from about 20 countries will participate in this year's Art Paris. The event will be held using the nave and balcony space of the Grand Palais, and the new spatial composition of the restored building will be closely linked to the exhibition design.

The exhibition structure is largely divided into three sectors. The 'Promesses' section located on the southern balcony features 27 new galleries that were established less than 10 years ago. 'Solo Show', located in the main exhibition area, displays monographs by individual artists. 'French Design Art Edition' on the North Balcony focuses on contemporary design and decorative arts, with a focus on limited edition works.

‘Language’ and ‘healing’, two project themes

The core of this fair is two planning themes. The first theme 'Babel – Art and Language in France' was curated by Loïc Le Gall. Twenty-one artists who explore language structures, symbol systems, and the relationship between text and images participate, and shed light on how meaning is constructed and communicated in contemporary French art through visual and textual forms.

The second theme 'Reparation' was planned by Alexia Fabre. The works of 20 international artists who deal with the process of ‘restoration’ and ‘healing’ at material, historical, and symbolic levels are introduced. This section addresses issues of memory, absence and reconstruction, situating artistic practice within a wider social and cultural context.

The 'Fonds d'art contemporain – Paris Collections' exhibition curated by Julie Gandini will also be held. It presents works related to the theme of 'recovery' from the collection of the City of Paris, and pays particular attention to artists who have not been sufficiently highlighted by public institutions.

Harmonious meeting of architecture and art

The Grand Palais's nave was partially opened during the 2024 Paris Olympics, and the entire facility is now fully operational. According to related industries, this restoration has enabled large-scale cultural events to organically blend in with the newly reorganized space configuration.

Exhibition Information

• Event Name: Art Paris 2026
• Period: April 9 (Thursday) ~ 12 (Sunday), 2026
• Location: Grand Palais, Paris, France
• Size of participation: 165 galleries from about 20 countries