Following the vibrant atmosphere of last week’s Frieze London, all eyes now turn to the enchanting city of Paris for the third edition of Art Basel Paris. This art fair is rapidly solidifying its status as one of Europe’s premier cultural events. The Paris edition joins its esteemed counterparts in Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Miami Beach, promising a diverse array of artistic expressions including paintings, sculptures, video installations, and performance art. Attendees can look forward to engaging talks, performances, and site-specific installations throughout the ‘City of Light’. According to Clément Delépine, director of Art Basel Paris, “With a new name, a change in size and space, and the inauguration of the beautifully renovated Grand Palais, this year’s event is brimming with fresh energy!”

With so much on offer this year, here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know, along with a selection of highlights you certainly shouldn’t miss.

Where is Art Basel Paris taking place?

This year, Art Basel Paris is setting up shop at the historic Grand Palais, a stunning architectural marvel that was originally built 124 years ago for the Universal Exposition of 1900. After undergoing extensive renovations over the past three years in preparation for the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics, the venue looks more magnificent than ever. While the Grand Palais will be the focal point of the excitement, Art Basel Paris also features a “Public Program” that is entirely free and accessible to all, extending its reach throughout the city.

How many galleries are taking part?

This third edition of the fair boasts an impressive roster of 195 leading galleries representing 42 countries and territories. Among these, 65 have spaces in France, and 53 are newcomers—marking a remarkable 27% increase from last year’s edition. Art enthusiasts will certainly find themselves immersed in a wealth of artistic expression!

When is Art Basel Paris?

The fair will be open to the public from October 18 to 20, following two days reserved for VIP previews.

What are some of the highlights from inside the Grand Palais?

Attendees at Art Basel Paris can anticipate a stunning array of masterpieces from both established artists and emerging talents. Here are some particularly noteworthy booths to check out:

• Galleria Continua: This collective showcase features recent works from renowned Algerian-French artist Adel Abdessemed, British-Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor, and Cameroonian artist Pascale Marthine Tayou. A standout piece is Ai Wei Wei’s large-scale toy brick interpretation of Peter Paul Rubens’s The Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus (1618). Let’s hope it remains intact!
• Vedovi Gallery: This Brussels-based gallery is bringing a powerful presence with a striking 1965 painting by Belgian Surrealist legend René Magritte, Le Sourire Du Diable, alongside Lucio Fontana’s iconic slashed canvas Concetto Spaziale (1960). They will also showcase a piece from the late American artist Tom Wesselmann’s ‘Smoker’ series, ahead of his major retrospective at the Fondation Louis Vuitton this fall.
• Landau Fine Art: Prepare to be dazzled by an impressive selection of 20th-century masterpieces spanning Surrealism, Cubism, Art Brut, and Pop Art. The booth will feature works by heavyweights like René Magritte, Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, Jean Dubuffet, and Roy Lichtenstein. A must-see for any art lover!
• Galerie 1900-2000: In honor of the centennial of the Surrealist movement, this gallery is focusing on Dada and Surrealist pioneers. Expect to see works from French artist Francis Picabia, German innovator Hannah Höch, and Spanish master Joan Miró. A highlight includes a collaborative ink drawing by Gala and Salvador Dalí, Valentine Hugo, and André Breton, the original founder of the Surrealist movement.
• Hauser & Wirth: This gallery will present a curated selection from their contemporary and modern program including vibrant, abstract pieces from British artist Frank Bowling and hauntingly beautiful sculptures from American artist Barbara Chase-Riboud.
• Christian Andersen + Sophie Tappeiner: Emerging talents will shine in the fair’s Emergence sector. The Danish gallery Christian Andersen will showcase Zimbabwean artist Shaun Motsi’s fictional ‘Black Masters’ series, a film installation that explores the complexities of Black identity. Additionally, German artist Sophie Thun’s studio will be recreated by Vienna-based gallery Sophie Tappeiner, featuring large analogue black-and-white prints that explore self-representation through photography.

What are some highlights of the public programme?

For those looking to explore outside the Grand Palais, there is plenty to see for free! Several iconic Parisian locations will host exhibitions, installations, sculptures, and curatorial projects featuring artists such as Ghada Amer, Jesse Darling, Niki de Saint Phalle, and Thomas Schütte.

• Avenue Winston-Churchill: This area, where the Grand Palais is situated, will be transformed into a pedestrian-only zone for the fair, showcasing three monumental works: BALMYWISECRACK (2010) by John Chamberlain, PUMPKIN (L) (2014) by Yayoi Kusama, and Maison démontable 6×9 (1944) by Jean Prouvé, a WWII-era modular house.
• Chapelle des Petits-Augustins des Beaux-Arts de Paris: This 17th-century chapel will host A Real Boy, an exhibition by French artist Jean-Charles de Quillacq. Blending Renaissance aesthetics with modern materials, de Quillacq presents intriguing explorations of bodily forms.
• Domaine national du Palais-Royal: The stunning gardens will feature a remarkable group exhibition in partnership with the Centre des Monuments Nationaux. This outdoor showcase includes Ghada Amer’s Paravent Girls, César’s iconic Pouce (a 3.5-meter bronze thumb), and Richard Long’s Gold Rush, an installation using Sierra Nevada rocks, among others. This exhibition runs from October 15 to 26.

Art Basel Paris runs from October 18 to 20, 2023.