Art Basel Paris, taking place from October 24 to 26 (with VIP preview days on October 22 and 23), is back with a robust public program featuring free exhibitions, installations, and talks across nine venues. However, one notable omission this year is the Tuileries Gardens—a surprising change for regular attendees. Director Clément Delépine, who announced his departure from Art Basel in September to join Lafayette Anticipations, explained that the logistical framework couldn’t accommodate the scale of the envisioned projects, and that it was therefore better to wait.
As was the case last year, Miu Miu—sponsor of this section—is once again occupying the ground floor of the Palais d’Iéna with a project titled “30 Blizzards.” The fashion house’s renewed support embodies the cross-disciplinary spirit signaled by the “+” in “Paris+ by Art Basel,” the fair’s original Paris edition name, a vision further reinforced this year by French fashion documentarian and filmmaker Loïc Prigent’s curation of the Oh La La sector and fashion editor Edward Enninful’s participation in the Conversations program.
In front of the Institut de France stands a totem-looking stone and concrete sculpture by Ugo Rondinone, which blends into the urban landscape. The Musée Eugène Delacroix is filled with works by Nate Lowman, who has drawn inspiration from the Romantic painter, while Harry Nuriev has taken over the Chapelle des Petits-Augustins.
At the Hotel de la Marine, there stands a poetic textile installation by Malagasy artist Joël Andrianomearisoa, and the Cité de l’Architecture is presenting an exhibition of 40 large-format abstract paintings by Fabienne Verdier. Both are new venues for the Paris fair’s public programming.
Between October 21 and 26, students from the renowned École du Louvre will be stationed at these venues from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to provide information about the works on display. But if you prefer to explore the city on your own or visit in the mornings, below is a look at the program’s seven sites.
