Art Basel Paris 2026: a free exhibition of art and design by Charles Zana in an 18th‑century venue

On the occasion of Art Basel Paris 2026, architect and designer Charles Zana opens the doors to his new Paris venue with Something Else, an exhibition that blends art, furniture, and installations, to be showcased from October 21 to 25, 2026.

Art Basel Paris isn’t confined to the Grand Palais’s aisles. From October 23–25, 2026, the international contemporary art fair will energize the capital, as exhibitions and installations go “off the wall” across Paris. Among the week’s artistic happenings, Charles Zana invites us to a venue near Place des Victoires, in the 1st arrondissement, to discover Something Else, a free exhibition open to the public from October 21–25, 2026. It’s a chance to step inside a still-under-the-radar venue before its look changes completely.

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At 2 rue de la Vrillière, the French architect and designer takes over a site steeped in history, tucked inside an 18th‑century complex he’s about to transform. But before any work begins, the art takes the stage. Charles Zana brings together a selection of works by Mario Schifano, a major figure in postwar Italian art, chosen by Marion Franchetti. Best known for paintings drawn from pop culture, advertising imagery, and consumer society, the artist’s works here engage in dialogue with the designer’s furniture.

Art Basel Paris 2026 : une expo gratuite d'art et de design signée Charles Zana dans un lieu du 18e s — Charles Zana

Alongside iconic pieces by Charles Zana, such as the armchair Franck and the sofa Guillaume, visitors will discover new creations, including the sofa Victoire, as well as bookshelves, consoles and tables. All of it unfolds in rooms still bearing traces of their history, where contemporary works sit beside ancient architecture.

To complete the picture, the exhibition also plays with the senses. Floral arrangements imagined by Nina Charles, antique fragments selected with Galerie Chenel, scented candles from Santa Maria Novella, music, and lighting designed especially for the occasion dress the spaces.

Five days, nothing more! After this artistic interlude, the venue will begin its transformation. Something Else thus offers a chance to explore Charles Zana's universe and to take a last look at this Paris address before the renovations.