The Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain moves to central Paris, opposite the Louvre Museum. The cultural institution unveils new contemporary spaces designed by Jean Nouvel to host exhibitions, an auditorium, and public spaces to stroll during the day or evening, including at the weekend.
A new chapter begins for the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain. This cultural venue opens on 25 October 2025 at 2 place du Palais-Royal, in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. The famous French architect Jean Nouvel has redesigned the interiors of this emblematic address. The choice of the renowned Parisian architect was no coincidence: he had previously designed the iconic glass building that until then had housed the Foundation on Boulevard Raspail. The fully renovated building at Palais-Royal boasts 6,500 m² of modular exhibition space. Its impressive volumes include ceilings up to 11 metres high in some areas. Beautifully enhanced by large bay windows and glass roofs , its contemporary interiors feature recycled steel and raw materials such as concrete.
The address 2 place du Palais Royal has a long and rich history. Built in 1855 at the instigation of Baron Haussmann, this was a building that epitomized a new modern Paris that was undergoing transformation at the start of the era of the great World Fairs. It became the Grands Magasins du Louvre, considered as the capital’s first department store, where people went to discover the latest trends (accessories, fashion, furniture, etc.). In 1978, it was converted into the Louvre des Antiquaires and housed 250 antique dealers and art galleries. Today, the building retains its majestic facade, listed as a historic monument.
Make the Fondation Cartier the focus of a weekend in Paris. Its situation at Palais-Royal makes it an ideal place to stop off at between the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Gardens.
To plan an itinerary and discover other key sites, check out our guide to the top 50 attractions which splits the city into four practical half-days. And think about booking your tickets in advance to avoid queuing and enjoy the city to the full.
Titled Exposition Générale, the inaugural exhibition runs until 23 August 2026. It showcases the collection of the Fondation Cartier with 600 works by more than 100 artists - Claudia Andujar, James Turrell, Sarah Sze, Olga de Amaral, Junya Ishigami, Solange Pessoa, David Lynch, Annette Messager, Cai Guo-Qiang, Diller Scofidio + RENFRO, Chéri Samba – whose works have been exhibited at the Fondation since its creation in 1984. This retrospective covers almost four decades of contemporary art, through iconic and striking works. A fascinating journey, illustrating its history and openness to the world. Solo and themed exhibitions are to be found throughout the exhibition. The choice of works highlights the Fondation Cartier's artistic vision, which focuses on key themes.: architecture, living worlds, technology and the sciences. The Exposition Générale is a reference to new product displays that people went to discover at the Grands Magasins du Louvre, some two centuries ago.
In autumn 2026, the Fondation Cartier will present Le Temps des Récoltes, the first major exhibition in France devoted to Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama. Renowned for his monumental installations made from recycled materials, he will transform all of the spaces at the Palais-Royal. The exhibition will also feature several guest artists, reflecting a collective and committed vision of contemporary creation.
Also, on site at this new cultural venue in central Paris, a 120-seat auditorium, a pedagogical space and a bookshop. To enhance a visit, a variety of experiences are offered in its spaces:
In partnership with the RATP, the Fondation Cartier is rolling out an artistic programme in several Parisian venues, including the Galerie Valois (in the Palais-Royal - Musée du Louvre station) and the Montparnasse-Bienvenüe station. These venues will successively host projects by Yann Kebbi, Olivier Saillard, Andrea Branzi and Raymond Hains. The latter will also be honoured in June 2026 with the installation Du Grand Louvre aux 3 Cartier, presented at the Place du Palais-Royal, reconnecting with the history of the neighbourhood and the dialogue between art and public space.
Fancy seeing more exhibitions in Paris after visiting the Fondation Cartier? With major retrospectives, contemporary creations and immersive formats, Paris offers a rich and varied programme all year round.
Our top listing of exhibitions includes key events and helps you to make priority bookings so that you don’t miss anything during your cultural trip.
The Palais-Royal district is packed with good addresses! Locate them on our interactive map of the district:
For culture, there’s the Louvre Museum - just across the street - and its iconic glass Pyramid by Pei, the Musée des Arts décoratifs, Tuileries Gardens and the Musée de l’Orangerie, which showcases Impressionist and modern masterpieces. On the other side of Place du Palais-Royal, the Comédie-Française has been staging live performances and theatre since the late 18th century, and just behind the theatre, the historic domaine du Palais-Royal with its delightful gardens, architecture and Buren columns, is a pleasant place to stroll or take a break. A little further away, the Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection and the church Saint-Eustache are both important cultural landmarks.
For shopping, the rue de Rivoli, the Carrousel du Louvre, the rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré, and La Samaritaine are a must. This is also an opportunity to discover more secretive or surprising places such as the fromagerie du Louvre (which supplies picnic lunches to take away) or the elegant Galerie Vivienne.
Paris is a city that loves good food, and gastronomy plays an essential role in this: the Bistrot Benoit, the café Richelieu, the Caffe Concerto, the Restaurant du Palais-Royal, Angelina, and therestaurants in the Japanese district are all addresses to recommend and enjoy. Finally, after dark, check out the sophisticated cocktails at bar Rehab tucked away in the hotel Normandy-Le Chantier or at 75CL with its nice selection of French wine.
