150th Anniversary Expo: the gigantic, free street-art exhibition takes over a former Zara storefront spanning 2,400 square meters.

The Expo des 150 is making a return to Paris, and this year it relocates to the former Zara store in Denfert-Rochereau, in the 14th arrondissement, signaling a fresh new look. From October 3 to 25, 2026, this expansive street art exhibition free revives the spirit of the Cabaret du Chat Noir and teams up with StreetArt Denfert, presented by Galerie Roussard and artist Codex Urbanus. In total, 2,400 m2 across three levels and hundreds of artists from the Île-de-France scene.

Note, however, that even though the exhibition is clearly free, you will need to book your tickets online in advance to access the venue. And honestly, that’s not a bad thing, helping to prevent overcrowding at peak times. The venue is open daily from 11:00 to 20:00 for ticket holders. If you forget to buy your tickets before you arrive, try purchasing them online on site—there may still be seats available depending on crowd levels.

Remember, in March 2025, the Expo des 150 had taken up residence in the former Bergère telephone exchange building in the 9th arrondissement. Walls from floor to ceiling, a festive, bustling bar—we walked in with our noses in the air, discovering artists at work: the atmosphere felt more like a buzzing hive than a museum.

An event that drew crowds in droves, with as many as 100,000 visitors turning up over 17 days, according to the organizers. This time the project runs for 22 days and broadens in scope. Suffice to say, we’re eager to dive into the world of street artists.

Where will the 150th Expo be held in 2026?

Head to the 14 avenue du Général-Leclerc, just steps from Denfert-Rochereau Square and the Catacombs of Paris. The former Zara store swaps its racks and fitting rooms for canvases, sculptures, and spray cans. A cheeky nod to a fast-fashion temple that now hosts art born on the street.

This relocation also affects Street Art Madeleine II, which was originally announced in the crypt of La Madeleine Church. The exhibition is leaving the 8th arrondissement, rebranding as StreetArt Denfert, and joining the Expo des 150.

For us, change is a good thing: more space, a longer exhibition, and autograph sessions held indoors, among the works themselves—no more outdoor tents. In other words, no weather worries in mid-October, and, of course, more discoveries with this two-in-one setup.

• To be read
• Street Art Madeleine II relocates and expands, becoming Street Art Denfert on 800 m2.
• This week’s best bets for Sept. 21–27, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France
• Free museums in Paris and free monuments in Île-de-France: the top cultural deals

What to discover on the three floors of the former Zara?

The 2,400-square-meter building is split into three 800-square-meter levels, each with its own character:

• 1st floor: entirely devoted to StreetArt Denfert, featuring an exhibition-sale of works, an advance copy of Codex Urbanus’s book and autograph sessions.
• Ground floor: dedicated to the Expo des 150, with a sale exhibition of works, artist residencies and a large Art Shop.
• Basement: the former offices become a true urban art trail, with walls painted directly by the artists. An immersive dive into the distinctive world of urban art.

This basement intrigues us especially. With the Catacombs just a few blocks away, stepping into offices that have been completely repainted by graffiti artists feels like a colorful, vibrant take on the neighborhood’s underground spaces.

Which street art artists to check out at Denfert?

The Expo des 150 brings together paintings, sculptures, and works signed by leading figures in urban art as well as rising talents from the Île-de-France region. Among the names announced are Stesi 156, Dawal, Berthetone, Jo Di Bona, Eddie Colla, Bust The Drip, Ensemble Réel or Titomulk.

On the upper floor, StreetArt Denfert dedicates 800 square meters to Codex Urbanus and to his Pocket Atlas of Street Art in Paris and Its Suburbs. The 200 Île-de-France artists listed in the book are gathered here, and most of them will be on hand to present their works, mingle with the audience, and sign copies of the book.

You’ll almost certainly have crossed paths with some of them on a street corner: the white silhouettes of Jérôme Mesnager, the cats of Chanoir, the little phrases of Petite Poissone or Levalet’s ink-drawn characters. Ardif, Brusk and Ludo are also among the announced artists. Several hundred signing sessions will punctuate the event, and the book is available in pre-sale on French Art Collection.

Why the Cabaret du Chat Noir is being revived for the duration of the exhibition

Founded in 1881 in Montmartre by Rodolph Salis, the Cabaret du Chat Noir was Paris’ first avant-garde cabaret for literature, art and music. The cream of Paris gathered there, and the venue lent its name to a famous satirical newspaper, just as Steinlen’s poster that still graces many postcards today.

It is this spirit of freedom that Romain Nouat aims to revive. After a stint on television, he relaunched in 2018 in Montmartre the newspaper Le Chat Noir, hosts poetic showcases, and founded the Expo des 150. The idea: to bring to life a modern cabaret where poetry, painting, and performance coexist.

For this 2026 edition, he teams up with three friends he met ten years ago around the same passion for street art. RosLucie, immersed in urban culture, supports emerging talents through exhibitions, paid commissions, and community mural projects. Sophie and Julien Roussard run the Galerie Roussard, founded in 1948 in Montmartre, handed down through three generations and going itinerant in 2023. They are notably behind the street art exhibitions at the Church of the Madeleine and the Louvre’s Poste Art Festival.

Throughout the event, a program will carry forward the spirit of the Chat Noir’s Nouveau Cabaret Moderne:

• poetry readings
• performances
• a traditional printing workshop
• other offerings connected to the Nouveau Cabaret Moderne du Chat Noir

How to visit the 150th Anniversary Expo for free?

The public opening event will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Please note that the venue won’t open before 2:00 PM on that day. The exhibition will then be accessible daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM until Sunday, October 25, 2026, with the gallery closing at 7:00 PM. Daily hours are subject to change, so be sure to check before you go.

Just a reminder: entry is free, but only on online registration via the billetterie, for the vernissage as well as the visit. To get there, the easiest option remains the Denfert-Rochereau station, served by metro lines 4 and 6 and by the RER B.

Take the opportunity to extend your stroll around the neighborhood: the Lion of Belfort rises at the center of the square, and the musée de la Libération de Paris is just across the way.

Why you should visit the 150th Anniversary Expo and Street Art Denfert

Bringing together the street scene, a basement-level art trail, and hundreds of autographs, all for free, is a standout discovery to make this fall. The three-story layout promises a more open, airy visit than in 2025, and the artists’ presence really changes the experience: you don’t just look at the works, you see them in action and you can chat?

The event caters to street art enthusiasts as well as the curious who want to put a name to the works they've spotted around Paris. Families will also find something to enjoy, with colors and formats that speak to even the youngest visitors. A tip: weekends tend to be busy, so try a weekday visit. Note that StreetArt Denfet’s pieces are for sale with no obligation to buy, making it a chance to score some real bargains.

If you’re still hungry for urban art after Denfert, head to the 13th arrondissement to explore nearly 200 drawings by Jean Faucheur at the Mathgoth gallery, on free public view through October 24, 2026. And to plan your next outings, our regularly updated pick of street-art exhibitions to discover in Paris and Île-de-France has you covered.