Paris is an international epicenter for Contemporary Art. Did you know that apart from the numerous free museums, you can also visit several Paris art galleries for free? These galleries curate the latest masterpieces from renowned artists from all over the world. This INSIDR guide lists our favorite art galleries in Paris that showcase the best of the current contemporary art scene. We’ve also included a list of free art centers in Paris that also host and promote works by emerging artists.
Read our Free Things to do in Paris article for more fun free activities in the city!
Free Paris Art Galleries
Galerie Perrotin
Founded in Paris in 2005, Galerie Perrotin has since opened additional locations in places like New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, and Tokyo. Galerie Perrotin in Paris is situated in an 18th century mansion in the chic Le Marais district. It is the most well-known art gallery in Paris. Perrotin participates in several major international art fairs each year such as Art Basel, Frieze, and FIAC. You can check out their current artists and exhibitions online.
Address: 76 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris
Schedule: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Tuesdays to Saturdays
Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac in Le Marais and in Pantin
Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac was founded in Paris in 1983 and currently operates multiple galleries in London, Paris and Salzburg. They represent some 60 artists who all specialize in contemporary art. Galerie Ropac also provides consulting services to major museums and public institutions as well as advising for corporate and private collections. The gallery also owns and operates their own publishing house which produces books and catalogues to accompany their exhibitions. Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac has a gallery in Le Marais and a bigger gallery in Pantin (pictured below) which is just 30 minutes outside of Paris.
Paris Address: 7 Rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris
Pantin Address: 69 Avenue du Général Leclerc, 93500 Pantin
Schedule: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Tuesdays to Saturdays
Galerie Marian Goodman
Marian Goodman Gallery has been in operation for over 40 years and specializes in introducing European artists into the American art world. The gallery owns exhibitions spaces in Paris, London, and New York where it was founded. For information on current exhibitions, visit them online.
Address: 79 Rue du Temple, 75003 Paris
Schedule: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm Tuesdays to Saturdays
Galerie Karsten Greve
Another renowned gallery located in Paris’ Le Maris district is Galerie Karsten Greve. Galerie Karsten Greve curates avant-garde art produced from 1945 onwards. Their program is defined by its diversity of artistic genres belonging to the classic mediums of painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media installation and photography. A list of current and upcoming exhibitions is available on their website.
Address: at 5 Rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris
Schedule: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Tuesdays to Saturdays
Gagosian Paris
In the thirty years since first opening in Los Angeles, Gagosian Paris has obtained sixteen global exhibition spaces in New York, London San Francisco, Paris, Athens, Geneva, Rome, and Hong Kong. The gallery hosts top contemporary artists as well as historical retrospectives on masters such as Jackson Pollock, Cy Twombly, Andy Warhol, and Francis Bacon to name a few. You can visit their Paris gallery in the affluent 8th arrondissement.
Address:4 rue de Ponthieu, 75008 Paris
Schedule: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Mondays to Fridays
Free Art Centers in Paris
France is home to many art centers and art fairs that offer free public access. In every region of France, the Art Contemporary Fund supports and operates various art centers in multiple cities. In Paris, there are several free art centers where art exhibitions, contemporary dance and other live performances are offered for free all year round. Here is INSIDR’s top selection.
Le 104
Situated in Paris’ 19th arrondissement, Centquatre-Paris is multi-purpose cultural center that offers artist residencies, workshops, production space and promotion for international artists. Created by José-Manuel Gonçalvès, Centquatre-Paris, commonly known as Le 104, is a collaborative artistic platform that aims to mark art accessible for everyone. For a list of all upcoming events and workshops, visit their website.
Address: 104 Rue d’Aubervilliers, 75019 Paris
Schedule: 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm Tuesdays to Sundays
Fondation d’entreprise Ricard
The Fondation d’entreprise Ricard is a venue for exhibitions that hosts between 5 and 6 shows every year. They also regularly invite external curators to produce new exhibitions and foster community within Paris’ art scene. The Fondation is also a place of cultural and artistic exchange that holds monthly public debates and conferences on a myriad of art related topics. The Fondation d’entreprise Ricard is always free to access.
Address: 12 Rue Boissy d’Anglas, 75008 Paris
Schedule: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm Tuesdays to Saturdays
FRAC Ile de France
FRAC, which stands for the Regional Collection of Contemporary Art, supports the production of contemporary art in France. The organization serves to provide exhibition spaces for artists and offer public educational programs and events. The organization owns a collection of over 1400 artworks which it displays in rotation in their galleries. They have a primary exhibition space in Paris called ‘Le Plateau’ which has become a keystone in France’s contemporary art scene.
But until December 22, 2019, you can visit their offsite exhibition space called ‘Le Chateau’ at the stunning Château de Rentilly. The château is only an hour away from the center of Paris and can be accessed by public transport. Admission is always free! For a full list of events, exhibitions and educational program, visit them online.
Château de Rentilly Address: 1 Rue de l’Étang, 77607 Bussy-Saint-Martin
Schedule: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm Wednesdays & Saturdays; 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Sundays
Paris Address: 22 rue des Alouettes, 75019 Paris
Schedule: 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm Wednesdays to Sundays