So, you’re headed to the art capital of the world. However, your search seems to only come back with suggestions for the usual suspects, and there’s more to Paris than just its iconic museums. The city offers countless unconventional art-centric experiences—from exploring underground passages covered in street art to watching a movie in a 1920s cinema.
Here are five alternative ways to skip the lines and dive into Paris’ vibrant and diverse creative scene:
1. 59 Rivoli / Aftersquat
Located on one of Paris’ most bustling shopping streets, 59 Rivoli, aka the ‘Aftersquat’, is a former artist squat that has been occupied since 1999. The city legalised it in 2006 and has since become renowned for its parties, exhibitions, and performances.
Today, 20 artists are permanent ‘residents’ of the building, with 10 positions open for temporary residents (who typically stay for between three to six months). Visitors are free to explore the artists’ studios, chit-chat with artists, and experience the contemporary art scene and counter-culture of Paris.
59 Rivoli is open from 1pm to 8pm daily except Mondays.
Address: 59 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
2. Lasco Project at Palais de Tokyo
Beneath the Palais de Tokyo art museum lies three kilometres of subterranean passages dripping with urban art. The Lasco Project began in 2012 to showcase street art by artists from around the world, including Futura, Cleon Peterson, and Stelios Faitakis. New artists are invited every year.
Do note that to explore the Lasco Project, you’ll have to attend the guided tour organised by Palais de Tokyo, which comes free with a Palais de Tokyo entry ticket. The tour runs from 12:30pm to 10pm daily, except Mondays, and until 3pm on Sundays.
Address: 13 Av. du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris, France
Contact: +33 181 697 751
3. Le Tampographe Sardon
Are you into journalling, looking for a unique gift, or can’t imagine anything better than copping a unique piece of art to take home with you? Then, the letterpress workshop and gallery of artist and printmaker Vincent Sardon, Le Tampographe Sardon, is right down your alley. Stacked from floor to ceiling with rubber stamp blocks, art prints, and letterpress supplies, Sardon’s contemporary designs are visually stunning and full of mischief and dark humour.
Heads up! Le Tampographe Sardon is open on Saturdays only, from 11am to 7pm.
Address: 4 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris, France
Contact: +33 980 565 563
4. Le Louxor Palais du Cinema
Are you a bit of a film slash history buff? Then the Le Louxor is an absolute must-visit. Built in 1921 by architect Henry Zipcy and one of the last few historic cinemas still standing in Paris, Le Louxor is the only cinema in France beautifully decorated in the neo-Egyptian Art Deco style. Appreciate the architecture and interior design, watch an indie art-house film, grab a drink at the bar on the terrace, and enjoy an incredible view for the full experience.
Address: 170 Bd de Magenta, 75010 Paris, France
Contact: +33 144 639 696
5. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
Okay, hear us out. You probably wouldn’t expect a luxury department store on this list, but Galeries Lafayette is unlike any department store you’ve ever been to.
In line with historic monuments, the likes of the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré Cœur, and the Arc de Triomphe, The Dome (La Coupole) of Galeries Lafayette is a stunning architectural feat and an impressive testament to the Art Nouveau movement. Created by master glassworker Jacques Grüber in the early 1900s, the stained glass forms an immense flower comprised of 10 luminous sections stretching over a total of 1000m2. So, if Art Nouveau and architecture are your jam, Galeries Lafayette will take your breath away.
Address: 40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France
Contact: +33 142 823 456
