Heritage Days 2026: Bastille Design Center unveils its history and the artists of tomorrow

You may already have visited the Bastille Design Center during a trade show or event. But do you know its history? Discover it on September 19–20, 2026, during Heritage Days.

Located in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, the Bastille Design Center is a well-known hub for the capital's art lovers. This historic industrial building now hosts exhibitions, trade fairs, art fairs, and pop-ups, bringing the Saint-Ambroise district to life in Paris. The Bastille Design Center may surprise with its architecture: it still bears traces of its past as a hardware-store warehouse.

Intrigued by this place? Come discover it during the Journées du Patrimoine, on 19 and 20 September 2026. This major event is returning to Paris and in Île-de-France for its 43rd edition. Once again this year, the Journées du Patrimoine invite us to explore quirky and little-known venues, to visit iconic sites, or to step behind the doors of institutions that are usually closed to the public.

As you may have guessed, this is a grand cultural celebration not to be missed! And the best part is that, more often than not, these visits and activities are free! So pull out your calendar and get ready for these special days. And eagerly discover what the Bastille Design Center has in store for you this weekend.

The Heritage Days program at the Bastille Design Center:

Crossed Reg'arts Exhibition at the Bastille Design Center
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, the contemporary artists collective 16 Anges invites you to discover an authentic space tucked away in a courtyard in Paris’s 11th arrondissement. Le Bastille Design Center, a former 19th‑century hardware factory shop, will charm visitors with its historical character and industrial identity. This visit will be a chance to explore the history of the site and the work of about thirty artists—photographers, painters, and sculptors.
Participation terms: Capacity: 190 people at once - Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM

The 11th arrondissement is brimming with treasures and curiosities to discover—keep exploring during the Heritage Days!

Heritage Days 2026 in Paris: the lineup of activities to try in the 11th arrondissement
Heritage Days take over Paris over the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. Here are the tours on offer in the 11th arrondissement of the capital! [Read more]