Art Basel Paris 2026: the contemporary art fair opens its doors at the Grand Palais and throughout Paris

The international contemporary art fair Art Basel Paris is back at the Grand Palais for its fifth edition in Paris. The event runs over the weekend of October 23–25, 2026 — here’s what to expect.

Since 2022, this fair has captivated fans of contemporary art. This must‑see rendezvous for the scene is returning to Paris this autumn. Over a full weekend, from October 23 to 25, 2026, more than 200 galleries will converge on the Grand Palais for the new edition of the fair Art Basel Paris.

For this fifth edition, the art event is pulling out all the stops: alongside the happenings at the Grand Palais, you can also discover a range of expositions gratuites and événements at art venues and the capital’s iconic sites.

The Art Basel Paris galleries showcase their artists at the Grand Palais, freshly renovated. This year, the Contemporary Art Fair is announcing more than 210 galleries from around the world, presenting both known names and rising talents. In all, 41 countries and territories are putting their artists in the spotlight.

The fair is divided into four sections:

Galleries is the main section gathering modern and contemporary art galleries that showcase high-quality works, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, photography, video, and digital art.
Emergence is the sector that brings together galleries showcasing young and rising artists through solo exhibitions.
Premise: a section dedicated to highlighting unconventional works and artists, potentially including pieces created before 1900!
Magazine: a section where visitors can browse or pick up international art journals.

The Fair also extends beyond its walls, taking over nine of the capital's most emblematic venues:

The City of Architecture and Heritage
The Iéna Palace
The Petit Palais
Winston Churchill Avenue
The Garden of New France
Jean Perrin Square
Clémenceau Place
Petits-Augustins Chapel, Beaux-Arts de Paris
The Parvis des Droits de l'Homme

The renowned Conversations program is taking place this year in the Grand Palais auditorium: artists from across the globe are invited to weigh in on the present and future of the art world.

Here's a tip: Art Basel Paris First Choice and Preview cardholders also enjoy free admission to the fair's cultural partners. These include the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, the Palais de Tokyo, the Jeu de Paume, the Palais Galliera, the Musée National Picasso, the Maison Européenne de la Photographie...

Whether you’re a casual passerby or a true aficionado of contemporary art, the Art Basel Paris Fair is one of Paris’s must-attend events this autumn. For an immersive dive into art, head to the Grand Palais on October 23, 24 and 25, 2026.

Contemporary art in Paris: what to do during the Art Basel Paris 2026 fair week?
Contemporary art takes center stage in Paris over the weekend of October 23–25, 2026, with Art Basel Paris. At the Grand Palais and beyond—from galleries to parks and squares across the city—the art scene is everywhere. It’s the moment to wander the capital and discover the artists of today and tomorrow. [Read more]

Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.