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-Editorial
The 2024 edition of Art Basel Paris, held for the first time at the iconic Grand Palais, has successfully positioned itself as a monumental cultural event in the French capital. With its mix of leading international galleries, cutting-edge exhibitions, and impressive visitor numbers, this edition marked a new chapter for the global art fair, strengthening its ties with the local Parisian art scene while drawing attention from art collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Over the course of five days, Art Basel Paris welcomed over 65,000 visitors, including key figures from the art world and cultural institutions, cementing its reputation as one of the premier events on the international art calendar.
Hosting the event at the Grand Palais for the first time brought a fresh dynamic to Art Basel Paris. The Grand Palais, an architectural masterpiece with a rich history in art and culture, provided a fitting backdrop for a fair known for showcasing both contemporary and classic works. The grandeur of the venue combined with the cutting-edge works on display created a sense of both timelessness and modernity.
This year’s fair featured 195 galleries from 42 countries, including 65 with spaces in France, representing a global range of artistic voices and styles. Visitors had the chance to engage with works from world-renowned artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Willem de Kooning, and Julie Mehretu, as well as emerging talents like Lungiswa Gqunta and Camille Henrot. The variety of art on display—from 20th-century masterpieces to experimental contemporary pieces—highlighted Art Basel’s commitment to fostering artistic diversity and innovation.
The mood at Art Basel Paris was buoyant, with galleries reporting exceptional sales across all market segments. Works by established masters and emerging artists alike found new homes in both public and private collections, a testament to the fair’s ability to attract serious buyers and collectors. Exhibitors expressed satisfaction with the quality of the audience and the level of engagement with the artworks, noting that this year’s edition exceeded expectations.
In addition to attracting local collectors and patrons, Art Basel Paris drew a significant international crowd. Leading art patrons and private collectors from France, Europe, the Americas, and Asia were in attendance, further highlighting the fair’s global reach. Representatives from more than 220 prestigious museums and foundations, including the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, visited the show, underscoring its importance in the global art world.
Notably, French President Emmanuel Macron, First Lady Brigitte Macron, and France’s Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, were among the high-profile attendees, adding further prestige to the event.
Art Basel Paris 2024 also introduced two exciting new sectors that expanded the fair’s offerings and highlighted its innovative approach to curating. *Premise*, a sector dedicated to highly singular curatorial proposals, brought together nine galleries, each showcasing a distinctive vision. This space provided an opportunity for galleries to present bold, thematic exhibitions that pushed the boundaries of traditional art fair presentations.
In addition, *Emergence* focused on spotlighting up-and-coming artists and galleries. With 16 exhibitors participating, this sector served as a platform for fresh talent, allowing emerging voices in the art world to reach new audiences. The inclusion of these new sectors underscores Art Basel’s ongoing commitment to fostering artistic growth and supporting diverse perspectives within the art market.
Beyond the walls of the Grand Palais, Art Basel Paris extended its reach with a comprehensive public program that unfolded across ten key sites in Paris. Supported by Miu Miu, this program showcased a series of performances, installations, and talks that celebrated the city’s rich cultural heritage and its role as a global hub for creativity. By bridging the art fair with the broader Parisian cultural scene, Art Basel Paris further strengthened its deep connection with the city and its creative industries.
The second iteration of the *Art Basel Shop* was another highlight of the event. Curated by Sarah Andelman, this space featured unique products and programming, including art and lifestyle publications, exclusive artist-designed apparel, and collaborations with brands like Guerlain, Uniqlo x Musée du Louvre, and Paris Saint-Germain Football Club.
As Art Basel Paris 2024 concluded, it was clear that the fair had successfully established itself as a cornerstone of the international art world. Clément Delépine, Director of Art Basel Paris, reflected on the fair’s success, saying, “We worked on Art Basel Paris’ 2024 edition for over two years; seeing it come to life in such an extraordinary way in the heart of Paris has felt truly special. Our galleries, partners, collectors, and visitors have all contributed to the undeniable enthusiasm we have witnessed across the city, and I am immensely grateful for their support.”
Looking ahead, the 2025 edition of Art Basel Paris is already highly anticipated, with plans to build on this year’s achievements. Scheduled for October 17-19, 2025, the next edition promises to bring even more innovative programming, ambitious projects, and an even wider array of galleries from around the world.
Art Basel Paris 2024 was a resounding success, setting a new standard for future editions. With its unique combination of world-class art, innovative sectors, and a public program that engaged the entire city, the fair has solidified its position as a must-attend event for anyone involved in the global art scene. As the art world continues to evolve, Art Basel Paris will undoubtedly remain at the forefront, pushing boundaries and shaping the future of contemporary art.