Art Basel Paris is one of the major international contemporary art events, and it returns to the Grand Palais from October 23 to 25, 2026, with VIP days on October 21 and 22. This fifth edition is the first under the direction of Karim Crippa, who aims to place Paris at the heart of the fair’s identity. 211 galleries from 41 countries and regions will present their artists, 64 of which have a space in France. But the program doesn’t stop at the doors of the Grand Palais—it also extends to several museums and public spaces throughout the city.
At the Grand Palais, galleries from around the world and a few new additions
Under the glass roof, Parisian galleries such as Perrotin, Templon, and Mennour rub shoulders with major international names like Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, and David Zwirner. Thirty-two galleries are participating for the first time, which also leaves room for new discoveries. The exhibition features painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art, ranging from the great masters of the 20th century to today’s emerging artists.
This edition also brings some organizational changes. “Premise,” the section dedicated to curatorial presentations that revisit art history, is moving to the Salon Seine, with more space than in 2025. “Conversations,” the program of discussions between artists, museum directors, curators, and collectors, will now take place in the Grand Palais Auditorium and is free to attend. A new entrance is also opening on the Square Jean Perrin side.
Another new feature is at the Rotonde d’Antin, which Art Basel Paris is taking over for the first time in partnership with Live Nation France: “God Hates Space,” an audiovisual installation by GENER8ION, the duo formed by producer Surkin and director Romain Gavras. On view from October 22 to 25, with free admission and no ticket required for the fair, it transforms the rotunda into an immersive space centered around a 12-meter double-sided screen, where the images, sound, and architecture of the venue interact. This is its first presentation in France—a must-see even if you’re not a regular at contemporary art events.
Another event to note: the return of Oh La La!, a two-day rehang on Friday and Saturday, during which galleries refresh their booths with new works. French actress Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu serves as artistic director, focusing on the theme “Myths and Legends.”
A public program throughout the city that extends beyond the Grand Palais
Art Basel Paris isn’t limited to the fairgrounds. An expanded Public Program features major exhibitions at several venues: the Petit Palais, the Palais d’Iéna, the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine, the Beaux-Arts de Paris, as well as the Jardin de la Nouvelle-France and Place Clemenceau. This year, the Parvis des Droits de l’Homme is hosting an exhibition for the first time. The program is largely centered around the Grand Palais, making it easy to plan a route through the neighborhood.
This presence throughout the city builds on the momentum from last year, which drew more than 73,000 visitors and representatives from over 240 museums and foundations. For 2026, the fair continues to assert its place in Paris, a city where contemporary art is on display as much in galleries and museums as it is in public spaces!