Every year, the Art Paris Art Fair invite a 'guest of honour' to feature examples of work from their country. For example, in 2014, Art Paris teamed up with the People's Republic of China, celebrating their 50-year artistic relationship with the country.
What is the Art Paris Art Fair and when is it?
Every spring, Art Paris brings together over 100 galleries from around 15 different countries, featuring around 900 artists, for an art fair to showcase a wide range of talents, from emerging to long-standing. It’s a wonderful chance to enjoy art in all its forms, and you will often discover inspiring new artists displaying exciting pieces.
The fair aims to encourage “discovery and rediscovery” exhibiting modern and contemporary art with special areas at the exhibition that are specifically designed to promote the discovery of new talent. The Promises section, is dedicated to young galleries, the ArtBooks space houses both art and artists' books, and the ArtDesign area explores the relationship between different forms of design and contemporary art.
The fair is usually held in the spring, with dates differing slightly each year, so be sure to check the Art Paris website.
The stunning Grand Palais is the perfect home for Art Paris Art Fair
Where is the art fair held?
The art fair is usually held at the Grand Palais, an iconic Parisian monument well-known for its beautiful glass dome. However, in early 2021 the Grand Palais was closed, so this year the fair will be held at a temporary site. The Grand Palais is closing to be transformed as its Nave will host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The entire monument will be open to the public again in around spring 2025.
Artists that have been featured
There are, of course, too many artists to name them all, but previous exhibits have included work from photographer François Halard, Chinese painter Yan Pei Ming, and video and installation artist Pipilotti Rist from Switzerland.
Each year focuses on a specific country and its prolific talent, allowing them to share current trends and up and coming talent. Every artist appearing at the fair is listed in time for the next event, so you can plan to see your favourites and organise your schedule.
Explore Paris in between art shows for the ultimate in culture immersion
Where can you stay nearby
Paris can be a little pricey, so you may want to stay a little outside the city itself. However, to stay close to the heart of the action during the fair, there are plenty of hotels near to the Grand Palais, including Hôtel 4 étoiles du Rond-Point des Champs-Elysées with its rather opulent bedrooms, or the equally elegant Hôtel de Crillon.
Art Paris has some partner hotels that are detailed here, too, including some with Michelin star restaurants for the ultimate in luxury stays. Don’t miss our guide to Secret Paris, to help you find some exclusive spots to enjoy during your stay too.
How to get to the Art Paris Art Fair
With Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, driving to Paris has never been easier. Crossing the Channel takes just 35 minutes, and once you're in Calais, you can drive straight down to Paris in no time. The quickest route is along the A16, which will take you less than 3 hours to get to the Grand Palais. See you at the Art Paris Art Fair!