Minimal, when art goes to the essential: the exhibition at the Bourse de Commerce is unveiled

The Bourse de Commerce offers us an exhibition in all its simplicity... Or so it seems. Come and discover "Minimal", the exhibition on show from October 8, 2025 to January 18, 2026.

On social networks, we're seeing a resurgence of a minimalist lifestyle: we're opting for bare spaces, stripped of the superfluous, colors that are too bright... But is this really what minimalism is all about? The Bourse de Commerce goes back to the origins of this artistic movement, which reached its peak of popularity between the 1960s and 1980s.

The Minimal exhibition, on view from October 8, 2025 to January 18, 2026, explores the very essence of this art form, its different currents, its major representatives and its specificities. Over a hundred works by French and international artists are brought together in a thematic tour.

Minimal art spread throughout the world in the 1960s. The exhibition at the Bourse de Commerce brings together works by artists from Europe, Asia, North and South America and the Middle East. This cross-continental journey shows how the minimalist trend conquered a whole generation of artists, while highlighting the different interpretations of each culture.

In the early 1960s, the art world took a radical turn. The artistic object was redefined, and creative techniques, means and ways of thinking about art were called into question. These minimalist artists sought to touch the viewer as directly as possible. This means abandoning everything in between. To avoid losing the message by crossing the border, forms become more abstract and geometric. The works leave their pedestals to come into closer contact with visitors, to become part of their everyday space.

Artists are also choosing to express themselves in new mediums, closer to reality and anchored in the present: photography, video and film are increasingly used.

The exhibition is spread over several floors, offering a highly varied panorama of contemporary minimalist art. The works are in keeping with the exhibition's theme, so non-initiated visitors may be puzzled by some of the creations, which may seem hermetic at first glance. The idea is to let yourself be carried away by these works and the emotions they can arouse in us. A number of sound installations complete the tour.

The exhibition features works by Agnès Martin, Dan Flavin, Kishio Suga, Rasheed Araeen, François Morellet, Lygia Pape, Lee Ufan, Robert Ryman... In all, some forty major artists are represented in this major exhibition, to be presented in autumn 2025.

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