If you’ve ever strolled down the famous (and very chic) rue de Rivoli, you certainly haven’t missed this imposing and somewhat… original Haussmann building. There’ s nothing conventional about number 59 on Rue de Rivoli. Quite the opposite, in fact! Here, you’ll discover the work of some thirty artists who have turned the premises into an absolutely magnificent creative laboratory. And it’s free to visit all year round!
A free art gallery hidden in a Haussmann building
Before it became the bubbling hotbed of creativity we know today, No. 59 had 1,000 lives. Abandoned for almost 10 years by Crédit Lyonnais, it was reinvested by the “KGB” collective, who gave the place a creative boost. A dozen artists occupied the premises, and almost 40,000 visitors discovered this gallery like no other. Le 59 quickly became a reference point for alternative art. In 2000, the Paris City Council took over the premises, and then began extensive renovation and security work on the building. It took nine years before the doors of this artistic temple finally reopened.
Since then, the six floors of 59 Rivoli have been occupied by some thirty artists, all with different profiles and styles. And the best part is that you can go there freely, since every exhibition is free and open to the public. In fact, this is one of the collective’s core values:
Every workshop and event is free, to move, question, provoke and inspire.
This unique 1000 m² art gallery in Paris will transport you to different worlds across its 6 floors. Open even on public holidays, you can discover new exhibitions throughout the year, as well as take part in free concerts on Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 6 p.m. in the gallery on the first floor. With its colorful, arty façade and friendly program, 59 rue de Rivoli is a must-see on the Paris art scene. A must-see!
📍Location: 59 rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris