Art Basel Paris, which opened at the historic Grand Palais earlier this week, will close early in the wake of mass demonstrations across France which turned violent last weekend. Further protests are planned this weekend in the centre of Paris.
“Art Basel Paris will conclude its 2026 edition at 7pm on Friday, October 23. The fair will remain closed on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25,” said an email from Art Basel management to the fair’s VIP guests sent today.
The message, co-signed by Karim Crippa, director of Art Basel Paris, adds: “We deeply regret that we will not be able to welcome you over the weekend and recognise the disruption this may cause to your plans. This decision has not been taken lightly, and the safety of everyone involved in the fair remains our utmost priority.”
The fair launched on Tuesday 20 October with Avant Première, a super-VIP opening between 3-7pm that was first introduced last year. Big-ticket sales followed including Julie Mehretu’s Rise of the New Suprematists (2001) tagged at $7.8m with White Cube gallery.
Major demonstrations against the high cost of living and school conditions were overshadowed last weekend by riots and looting. At least 2,700 people have been arrested across France, according to the BBC. Only authorised union protests will be allowed in French towns and cities on Saturday, said President Emmanuel Macron.