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Art Paris, the key spring event for modern and contemporary art, closed its doors on Sunday 12 April with a record attendance of 87,275 visitors (compared to 86,975 in 2025) in a joyous and vibrant atmosphere.
The 28th edition of the fair deployed an ambitious and rich programme: 165 exhibitors from 20 countries, two thematic routes : Babel, Art and language in France led by Loïc Le Gall and Repair imagined by Alexia Fabre; sectors oriented towards discovery, with «Promises» presenting 27 young galleries, French Design Art Edition focused on contemporary design with 18 exhibitors (galleries, architect and designer studios), not forgetting Solo Show with 24 monographic exhibitions scattered throughout the fair.
The events programme included a cycle of around a dozen talks, as well as other exhibitions and installations. As visitors arrived, they were welcomed by two monumental TED’HYBER by Fabrice Hyber, whereas elsewhere, the Fonds d’art contemporain-Paris Collections presented a selection of works from its collection around the theme of repair.
On Friday evening, the «AfterShow» party organised by official fair partner BNP Paribas Banque Privée in collaboration with Poush attracted 4,000 people. The bank’s clients joined personalities from the art world in what could have been seen as a second and more festive opening to the fair.
A series of 38 events within Parisian institutions, reserved for VIP gallery guests and art professionals, showcased the full richness of the City of Lights’ spring art scene, more than ever the world capital of the arts. 181 institutions and collectors’ circles from 26 countries, primarily European, confirmed their attendance at Art Paris 2026, while 60 museum groups were given a special welcome and a privileged tour of the fair.
Three prizes were awarded during Art Paris, each of which underlined the fair’s commitment to artists. The
BNP Paribas Banque Privée Prize – A focus on the French scene together with €40,000 in prize money
was awarded to Galerie Polaris artist Sara Ouhaddou. The winner of the third edition of thisprize was chosen from among 16 nominees, all of whom were selected by Art Paris 2026 guest curator Loïc le Gall (director of the Passerelle contemporary art centre in Brest) as part of Babel – Art and Language in France.
The internationally recognised Her Art Prize for women artists with 30,000 euros in prize money was awarded to Elsa Sahal, who is represented by Galerie Papillon. This prize launched in 2025 by Marie Claire and Art Paris in partnership with Maison Boucheron rewards a bold body of work that pushes back the limits and a career distinguished by commitment The winner is selected from among the women artists exhibiting at the fair.
Elsa Sahal was presented with her prize by Maison Boucheron CEO Hélène Poulit-Duquesne during a ceremony presided over by actor and artist Louise Bourgoin. Finally the 4th edition of Le FRENCH DESIGN 100 prize, a key moment and a unique distinction that rewards the 100 design and interior design projects that have contributed tospreading the influence and reputation of French creativity around the world, notably gave its seal of approval to interior designer and designer India Madhavi, whose stand was a firm favourite with visitors.