Salon des Beaux-Arts 2025: dates and programme for this free event in Paris

The Salon des Beaux-Arts 2025 returns to the Réfectoire des Cordeliers in Paris' Latin Quarter in December. This year's event is distinguished by a program spread over two distinct periods in this historic monument in the 6th arrondissement. An unmissable opportunity to discover contemporary art in an exceptional architectural setting, just a stone's throw from the Odéon station.

The show's two-part program

Salon 2025 is scheduled in two complementary sessions. The first period, from December 3 to 7, 2025, features the Painting, Sculpture and Textile sections. The opening vernissage takes place on December 3 from 12pm to 9pm, with an official opening at 6pm. The following days run from 11am to 7pm from December 4 to 6, and until 6pm on Saturday December 7.

The second period, from December 10 to 14, 2025, features the Naturalist, Paper-Paper, Photography and Sculpture sections. This session also kicks off with a vernissage on December 10 from 12pm to 9pm, with an opening ceremony at 6pm. Opening times remain the same as for the first period: 11am to 7pm from December 11 to 13, and until 6pm on Sunday December 14.

A place steeped in history in the heart of Paris

The Réfectoire des Cordeliers, located at 15 rue de l'École de Médecine, is the only vestige of the former Franciscan convent built in the 13th century. This historic monument, listed since 1975, impresses with its imposing dimensions: 56 meters long, 16 meters wide and almost 25 meters high. Its 14 Gothic bays and majestic vaults create a unique atmosphere conducive to artistic contemplation.

The building bears witness to a rich Parisian history. After housing Franciscan monks for several centuries, it became home to the famous Club des Cordeliers during the French Revolution, where Danton, Marat and Camille Desmoulins held their political assemblies between 1790 and 1795. In the 19th century, it became the home of the Dupuytren Museum of Pathological Anatomy, before its recent conversion into an exceptional cultural space.

A historic exhibition of multiple disciplines

Organized by the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts, recognized as a public utility since 1909, this show perpetuates an artistic tradition that dates back to 1862. It enjoys the High Patronage of the President of the Republic, and is one of the major events for contemporary art in Paris. The event brings together French and international artists in the fields of painting, sculpture, engraving, photography and illustration.

The event is distinguished by its desire to bring together established creators and emerging talents. Each year, the jury, made up of leading figures from the artistic and cultural worlds, selects works that are representative of contemporary creative diversity. Several prestigious prizes are awarded to participants, including the Prix Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, the Prix Eugène-Louis Gillot for marine painters, and the Prix Deyrolle for naturalist artists.

Access and practical information

The Réfectoire des Cordeliers enjoys a privileged location in the Latin Quarter. It can be reached by metro via Odéon (lines 4 and 10), Mabillon (line 10) or Notre-Dame des Champs (line 12) stations. Travelers can also take the RER B to Luxembourg-Sénat or use bus lines 21, 27, 38, 63, 81 and 96.

Entrance to the show remains free for all visitors, in keeping with the event's democratic vocation. This accessibility enables a wide public to discover the creations exhibited in this exceptional heritage setting. The venue, recently renovated by RIVP with a modern sound system, offers 700 m² of exhibition space in an environment combining history and modernity.