The French enjoy walking around their cities sans-agenda so much that they have a word for it: “flanerie”. To be a “flaneur” or “flaneuse” is to be “one who wanders aimlessly,” which is the last thing we want you to do during Paris Art Week 2024. With this in mind, we’ve selected a few of our favorite can’t-miss pop-up shows, events, and exhibitions. That being said, this author still recommends you leave space on your schedule for some “flanerie”!
For Fashion Lovers: THEMUST.CO
Popping-up inside the independent Parisian boutique L’Habilleur, The MUST showcases unique and limited edition pieces by emerging and established artists, ranging from jewelry and accessories to design and homewares. The MUST represents established and younger experimental artists alike, but my eye is on Anita Muçolli’s and Dimitra Charamandas’s wearable ceramic handbags, exhibited for the first time in Paris.
15th-19th October, open to the public 12PM – 7PM, L’Habilleur Paris, 44 rue de Poitou, 75003, Paris @THEMUST.CO
For Private Eyes: Private Choice
This year, Private Choice moves to a new home in the 16th arrondissement and shows a selection of art and design pieces, curated by Nadia Cambpell and her team. Discover the unique point of view of graduates from the Beaux-Arts de Paris in the “cabinet of curiosities”, which features Pascal Mestrom’s fabulous candelabra and a frosty mirror by Laurent Pernot. With over 40 artists exhibiting, the works range from funky to functional to fantastic!
11th-20th October, 12PM – 8PM Visit on invitation after registering through privatechoice.fr 40 rue Paul Valery 75016, Paris
For Foodies: We are ONA x Brutalisten
Inside the Gare Montparnasse, Brutalisten and We Are Ona invite visitors into a monochromatic experience, based on artist Carsten Höller’s Brutalist Kitchen Manifesto, written in 2018. A 6-course tasting menu for lunch and an 8-course menu for dinner have been crafted by chefs Coen Dielman and Stefan Erikkson, following Höller’s main rule: only one main ingredient per dish.
14th-20th October, with reservation Book a table here
For Gallery Goers: Opening Night with Matignon St Honoré
On Monday, October 14th, thirty-one galleries in the Quartiers Matignon & Saint-Honoré partner together in their inaugural cocktail event for 2024’s Paris Art Week. Each gallery has a different event proposed, from book signings to performances and exhibition openings. With a range of offerings, there is something for everyone and the event is a great way to celebrate the week ahead!
14th October, 5-9 pm Avenue Matignon Paris, 75008
For Design Lovers: A Well-Dressed Apartment at 34 Rue Louise Émilie
Swing by Sandie Saul Roy’s apartment-gallery at 34 Rue Louise Émilie, where Sarah Espeute literally “dresses up” the furniture and surrounding space. Espeute plays with humor and shape, creating garment-like curtains, a Sunday-best tablecloth, and a “neatly made” bedspread. Sculptural plant compositions by artist, THYRSE (Domitille Basso) will enhance the theatricality of the staged apartment.
14th-20th October, with reservation, 34 rue Louise Émilie 75003, Paris
For Tech Enthusiasts: “Metarenaissance: Building the Future” panel at Galerie D’Eylau
Yana Germann, the founder of the Metarenaissance movement, joins Nicolas Bourriaud, Pierre Sigg (Sigg Art Foundation), and Maurine Sigg to discuss the potential of contemporary art to build community and contribute to a harmonious future within the rapidly advancing world of technology. With a spotlight on the intersection of art and technology, the discussion will position art as a key force in shaping a connected, forward-looking world.
15th October, 12 pm 36 Av. d’Eylau 75016, Paris
For People Unafraid of Primary Colors: “who is afraid of red blue and yellow” at Reiffers Art Initiative
Presented each year during Art Basel Paris, this year Reiffer’s Art Initiative will show the work of Tarek Lakhrissi, as mentored by Ugo Rondinone. Each year, Reiffers Art Initiatives offers a major player in the contemporary art scene the opportunity to mentor a French emerging artist. In 2024, Ugo Rondinone succeeds Rashid Johnson (2021), Kehinde Wiley (2022) and Lorna Simpson (2023).
16th Oct – 1st Dec Free entry Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 30 rue des Acacias 75017, Paris
For Bibliophiles: Art Book Fair at The Salon
At this one-day art book fair at The Salon, a partnership between NADA and The Community Paris, booksellers from Brussels, Milan, Marseilles, New York, and Torino will showcase a variety of rare books, independent publications, and artist books. Come to peruse or to add to your home library!
18th October, 11am – 8pm. Free entry with RSVP. 30 rue du Paradis Paris, 75010 newartdealers.org/programs/the-salon-presents-art-book-fair
For Dreamers: PAVONE: A salon of reverie, myth, and the ethereal at Maison Rochet
PAVONE reimagines the Parisian salon for contemporary audiences and invites the viewer into a state of reverie. Evoking a dreamlike atmosphere, the exhibition dives headfirst into the subconscious and surreal with a selection of collectable design pieces curated by Ashlee Harrison and Etienne Macret. Don’t miss the prototype of Marzio Cecchi’s iconic Serpente Sofa, a masterpiece that revolutionized 20th-century Italian design.
15th-20th October Maison Rochet @maisonrocherparis
For Explorers: Art Basel Public Program
A stroll down Avenue Winston Churchill in the 8th arrondissement will reward you with views of Kusama’s pumpkin installation and works by John Chamberlain and Jean Prouvé, as presented by various galleries. If you want to hear more, students from the École du Louvre are providing free guided visits from 16 October to 20 October. Beyond this, art installations will be on view for the week across the city of Paris.
15th-20th October, free public access Avenue Winston Churchill 75008, Paris
Art Basel’s Public Program INFO: artbasel.com/paris/public-program
