What Happens in Paris (Doesn’t Stay There)

image credit; Courtesy of Art Basel

Art Basel Paris turned the City of Light into an open-air gallery — and left the rest of us plotting next year’s trip.

Even if you weren’t strolling through the glass-domed halls of the Grand Palais this weekend, trust us — Art Basel Paris 2025 was the place to be. From October 24 to 26, the world’s most glamorous art fair took over the French capital, bringing together more than 200 galleries from over 40 countries and transforming Paris into a living, breathing canvas of creativity.

Originally launched as Paris+ par Art Basel in 2022 and rebranded last year, this event has quickly become one of the most anticipated stops on the global art circuit. What makes it so irresistible? Think world-class curation with a side of Parisian style. The Grand Palais offers the grandeur; the city itself provides the mood — where art spills into the boulevards, courtyards, and café terraces with the same ease as champagne being poured at the vernissage.

This year’s edition was a study in contrasts and connections. Legendary names like Louise Bourgeois and Tracey Emin hung beside emerging stars such as Xiyadie and Jala Wahid, creating a dialogue between eras that felt both grounded and electric. The big galleries — think Pace, Xavier Hufkens, and David Zwirner — brought the kind of museum-level pieces that make even seasoned collectors stop mid-conversation. But equally exciting was the “Emergences” section, showcasing new voices redefining what contemporary art looks like now.

And then there’s the mood — the fashion-meets-art-meets-culture swirl that only Paris can pull off. From installations that doubled as street-style backdrops to brand collaborations that blurred the line between exhibit and experience, this year’s fair reminded everyone that creativity doesn’t sit quietly in a frame. Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Saint Laurent all made their presence known, further cementing Art Basel Paris as the fair where culture and couture collide.

Market-wise, the whispers on the floor were clear: the ultra-high-end segment is cooling, but the mid-tier market is buzzing with energy. Galleries leaned into more accessible works, sparking a sense of experimentation — and a reminder that collecting great art isn’t reserved only for those with museum budgets.

In the end, Art Basel Paris wasn’t just a fair. It was a feeling — of discovery, dialogue, and that distinct Parisian alchemy where beauty and intellect share a glass of wine. Even if you didn’t attend this year, make a note for next October. Because when Paris becomes the world’s art capital for one luminous weekend, you’ll want to say you were there — or at least, that you were paying attention.

See you under the glass dome.