In the Seine
- The Archeological Crypt of the Île de la Cité, Paris
10 Mar - 28 Jun 2026
From€11.00
Recommended
From
€15.00
The Exposition Générale at the new Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain marks a historic milestone, inaugurated as the debut presentation at its monumental site on 2 Place du Palais-Royal. This ambitious exhibition retraces forty years of international contemporary creation through nearly 600 works by more than 100 artists. Curated as an "alternative encyclopedia" of the institution’s rich history, the showcase is organized into four thematic pillars: Machines d’architecture, Être nature, Making Things, and Un monde réel. By moving into this reimagined 19th-century Haussmannian building—originally built for the 1855 Exposition Universelle—the Fondation bridges the gap between its storied past as a patron of the avant-garde and its future as a dynamic urban cultural hub.
The curatorial vision utilizes the building’s radical mobile platforms, designed by architect Jean Nouvel, to create a fluid, ever-changing environment. This modularity allows for an unprecedented dialogue between legendary artists such as James Turrell, Sarah Sze, and Ron Mueck, whose monumental sculptures gain new life within the transparent, light-filled volumes of the space. Key works by Claudia Andujar, David Lynch, and Chéri Samba are presented alongside fragments of past landmark exhibitions, emphasizing the Fondation’s commitment to breaking down barriers between visual arts, science, and philosophy. The scenography, designed by the Formafantasma studio, further enhances this by referencing the display systems of the 19th-century "retail palaces," transforming the act of viewing into an experimental social encounter.
Beyond the technical and historical breadth, the exhibition possesses a profound emotional resonance, inviting visitors to contemplate the major issues of our era, from endangered ecosystems to the intersection of technology and fiction. The inclusion of live performances and spoken-word events within the galleries ensures that the collection remains a living, breathing organism rather than a static archive. By extending into the city through the Galerie Valois and the surrounding Place du Palais-Royal, the Exposition Générale effectively turns the heart of Paris into a site of collective creation. It is a powerful manifesto for the 21st-century museum—one that is porous to its environment, deeply contextualist, and dedicated to the democratization of multidisciplinary dialogue.
Highlights
- Discover nearly 600 works by more than 100 international artists including James Turrell, Sarah Sze, and David Lynch in this unprecedented retrospective.
- Experience the Machines d'Architecture section where models and installations engage in a dialogue with the building's unique urban environment.
- Explore the Être Nature thematic section which reflects on living worlds and the role of the institution in conserving endangered ecosystems.
- Marvel at the Making Things section that highlights new interactions between art, traditional crafts, and modern design techniques.
- Interact with the Un Monde Réel section that establishes new ways of experiencing the world by blending technology, fiction, and scientific knowledge.
- Admire the monumental installations of Ron Mueck and Claudia Andujar that resonate within the vast, modular spaces designed by Jean Nouvel.
- Navigate the exhibition's innovative scenography by Formafantasma featuring luminescent modular textile structures known as Lanterns.
Frequently Asked Questions about General Exhibition
Yes, your ticket provides full access to the 'General Exhibition' as well as any other current exhibitions and the garden at the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain.
A visit typically lasts between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes, allowing you enough time to explore the forty years of contemporary art on display.
Photography and filming for personal, non-commercial use are permitted, provided you do not use a flash, tripod, or selfie stick.
Yes, the exhibition is open to all ages and provides a great opportunity for families to discover contemporary art in a unique architectural setting.
Yes, the entire Fondation Cartier building, including all exhibition spaces and the garden, is fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
Cultural mediators are present in the galleries every 30 minutes to offer short 'Éclair' tours and answer any questions you may have about the artworks.
Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain
- Paris
Housed in a striking Jean Nouvel-designed glass building, the Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain in Paris hosts premier contemporary art exhibitions and unique artist commissions. This cultural landmark offers an ever-evolving look into global creativity within one of the city's most iconic architectural settings.
Schedules
Opening Hours
- The Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain is open Tuesday from 11 AM to 10 PM and Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 8 PM.
- The venue remains closed to the public every Monday.
- Last entry is permitted up until 30 minutes before the scheduled closing time.
Special Days
The venue is closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
Early closing times occur at 6:00 PM on December 24th and December 31st.
Free entry was offered during the grand opening weekend on October 25th and October 26th.
How to get there
Situated in the 1st arrondissement opposite the Louvre Museum, the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain is a cornerstone of Parisian culture easily reached by various transit networks. Its central location at 2 Place du Palais-Royal makes it one of the most accessible art spaces in the heart of the city.
- Metro: Lines 1 or 7 to Palais-Royal - Musée du Louvre
- Bus: Lines 21, 27, 39, 48, 67, 68, 69, 72, 81, or 95 to Palais-Royal - Musée du Louvre
- RER: Line A to Châtelet - Les Halles followed by a short walk or metro transfer
Directions
Contact
Telephone
+33 (0)1 42 18 56 50Other Exhibitions in Paris
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