The Underground Extatiques: An Artistic Journey Returning beneath La Défense’s Great Arch

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Published by Cécile de Sortiraparis, Caroline de Sortiraparis · Photos by Caroline de Sortiraparis · Updated on February 12, 2026 at 04:19 p.m.
Venture into the hidden tunnels beneath Paris La Défense, normally off-limits to visitors, and experience the Extatiques — an unusual art installation set to take place from April 3 to 26, 2026.

Each summer, the Défense district came alive with a highly anticipated event that drew locals and visitors alike. The Extatiques was a major contemporary art trail that transformed the business district into an open-air gallery. The event wrapped up in 2024 with a special edition held underground at Paris La Défense. But good news: the Extatiques are making a comeback in spring 2026.

The artistic journey returns from April 3rd to April 26th, 2026. The exhibition is once again set up in a basement, occupying a 1,000-square-meter space located beneath the Grande Arche de la Défense. This area, typically off-limits to visitors, is transformed into a unique and immersive underground museum.

The Extatiques exhibition showcases works by four contemporary artists, presented in a specially designed installation. Visitors are equipped with a headphones and a flashlight to fully immerse themselves in the exhibition's atmosphere and navigate the route.

This year’s Extatiques invites visitors to explore the enigmatic world of the ocean, under the theme "Beyond the Horizon." Artists blend science, art, and fiction to craft immersive underwater worlds. Each installation reveals a unique ecosystem, delving into the wonders of nature and the mysteries of the seas. The works also tackle pressing issues such as climate change and showcase the strange creatures lurking in the ocean depths...

Visitors move from installation to artwork, guided by Emily Loizeau’s voice. They are immersed in a narrative that blurs the line between fiction and scientific fact.

In spring, visitors are encouraged to take advantage of this unexpected new edition of Les Extatiques. Tickets are expected to go on sale soon via the Archie La Défense website.

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From April 3, 2026 to April 26, 2026

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    1 Parvis de la Défense
    92800 Puteaux

    Route planner

    Prices
    Visite de 1h30: €17
    Visite de 45 minutes: €45

    Official website
    archie.parisladefense.com

    Booking
    Check the prices of this ticketing service

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