Art Basel Paris is set to make a grand return to the Grand Palais this fall, showcasing over 200 exhibitors hailing from 41 different countries and territories. This marks the fair's fifth iteration and the inaugural edition under the leadership of Karim Crippa, who has taken the reins from the previous director, Clément Delépine.
Scheduled for October 23-25, with preview days on October 21-22, this year's fair will once again feature its traditional three sections: Galeries, Emergence, and Premise. Notably, several changes reflect the fair's ongoing evolution as Paris solidifies its status as Europe's premier art market hub, especially following the shifts in London post-Brexit.
The most significant alteration is seen in the Galeries section, which has expanded to include more than 180 exhibitors, up from 177 in the previous year. The fair is also embracing collaborative efforts, introducing a record 12 joint booths, a first in its history.
Nearly 30 galleries will be participating for the first time, while over 60 exhibitors now have operations in France. This growing presence in Paris is a defining characteristic of the fair, with renowned local galleries like Mennour, Galerie Chantal Crousel, and Perrotin returning to the lineup.
Internationally acclaimed galleries such as Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, and David Zwirner will also mark their return, further enhancing the fair's global appeal. Among the newcomers are Berlin's ChertLüdde and New York's Olney Gleason Gallery, adding fresh perspectives to the event.
While some galleries from last year will not be returning, the fair continues to emphasize growth and transition, with galleries like Petrine moving from Emergence to the main Galeries section.
This year, the fair will also continue to innovate with programming beyond the traditional booth model. The Oh La La! initiative, which debuted in previous editions, will return, featuring a collaborator from outside the art world. Furthermore, the invitation-only Avant-Première program is set for its second edition on October 20.
The Emergence section will showcase 16 booths again, with a notable increase in first-time participants. Meanwhile, the Premise section will maintain its focus on historically significant and research-intensive presentations, featuring projects centered around artists like Robert Indiana and Ellsworth Kelly.
As Crippa noted, "Art Basel Paris has become deeply embedded in the French cultural landscape," reflecting a vibrant intersection of art and broader creative industries. This year's fair arrives amidst a robust recovery for the French art market, with sales in France reaching $4.5 billion in 2025, signifying a promising future for both the event and the local art scene.