From classical institutions to chic modern spaces, Paris is a planet’s foremost artistic capitals and an emblematic city with some of the best contemporary art galleries. The French capital is the undisputed art biggest city of the Western world with a vast wealth of modern art’s galleries, creative works, and design exhibitions.
Many great and iconic artists lived in Paris over the years, like Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, and Dalí. Much of their work can be found in the city’s immense number of museums, art exhibitions, galleries, attractions, salons, and other spaces.
If you’re looking for some information about what to visit in Paris and if you’re particularly interested in contemporary art, be sure to also see this guide to the best modern and contemporary art galleries in Paris. Et voilà, bon voyage!
Van der Straeten Gallery
The Van der Straeten Gallery, which opened in the Marais neighborhood of Paris in 1999, includes one of a kind or limited-edition pieces grouped in thematic exhibitions. These pieces have a strong presence renders them instantly recognizable. They are made in the bronze and cabinet-making workshops set up and expanded by the designer over the years. Besides this, Hervé Van der Straeten is a truly independent contemporary artist and his work combines radical freedom of expression with meticulous execution. Hybridization, elegance, and refinement are his watchwords and what defines him work goals.
11, Rue Ferdinand Duval
75004 Paris
Galerie BSL
Founded by Béatrice Saint-Laurent, one the best European curators, Galerie BSL promotes, produces and exhibits refined artworks that challenge the established borders of art and design. Unique art pieces or in very limited edition and the stunning contemporary sculptures that promote transcendency speak to the heart as much as to the intellect.
14, Rue des Beaux Arts
75006 Paris – France
Gallerie Chastel-Maréchal
The Gallerie Chastel-Maréchal in Paris focuses on the promotion and re-discovery of important twentieth-century French designers, in particular, those working between 1930 and 1960. The range of artists represented provides a cogent overview of this period, and many of the artistic and contemporary works shown are extremely rare and have never previously been seen in the art market.
5, Rue Bonaparte
75006 Paris – France
See also: Maison et Objet 2019: The Ultimate Design Guide

Galerie Kamel Mennour
This gallery, in the heart of Saint-Germaindes-Prés, in La Vieuville mansion, dates from the 17th century and is owned by the energetic Kamel Mennour. It exhibits creative works, like modern sculptures with an exclusive design, by emerging artists.
47, Rue Saint-André des Arts,
75006 Paris – France
Gallery S. Bensimon
In the heart of the Marais, the Gallery S. Bensimon is a modern art gallery that is inspired by and inspires contemporary design. The fruit of the commitment and passion of a man who loves what is Rare and Beautiful – Serge Bensimon. In this gallery, there’s a bright and a serene space, where you are invited to see some emerging or established artists creative works, craftspeople artworks, and designs exhibitions to let your imagination and inspiration run free.
111, Rue de Turenne
75003 Paris
Galerie Diurne
Galerie Diurne was founded in 1982 by painter and designer Marcel Zelmanovitch, making carpets to order for private clients and interior talents such as Francis Sultana. This contemporary art gallery is a celebration of the now and present, elevating the great craftsmanship, threaten in the ’80s by mass-production, through the manufacturing of one-of-a-kind objects. Each rug is a unique masterpiece, a revival and each project is an opportunity for an original creation.
50, Rue Jacob
75006 Paris
Galerie Perrotin
This trendy and contemporary art gallery has three spaces in Le Marais, each more impressive than the other. Although it may feel intimidating to push the door and enter it is definitely worth the detour because here you can see the creative works of all the leading exclusive artists including Takashi Murakami, Pierre Soulages and Sophie Calle.
76, Rue de Turenne
75003 Paris
Galerie Kreo
Galerie Kreo opened in 1999 in the 13th arrondissement in Paris, in the special contemporary art area called “Louise Weiss”. The main goal of this gallery is to focus on producing new pieces in collaboration with the world’s most relevant contemporary designers.
31, Rue Dauphine
75006 Paris
Galerie Bugada & Cargnel
This 500 m³ gallery in the east of Paris, established by Claudia Cargnel and Frédéric Bugada, is located in a former garage from the early Thirties. The specialized programme combines exhibits by French and international artists, as well as emerging artists.
7, Rue de l’Équerre
75019 Paris
Negropontes Gallery
Negropontes Gallery combines art, architecture, modern art paintings, design and innovation following the traditional French Decorative Arts. Sophie Negropontes welcomes each client and visitor in their search for unique. Besides this, here you can find some craftsmanship works by the designer Hervé Langlais who creates furniture with pure lines and luxurious materials.
60, Rue de Verneuil
75007 Paris
See also: Maison et Objet 2019: The Ultimate Design Guide
