Art Basel Paris 2025 will present a free public program across multiple iconic Parisian venues from October 21-26. Highlights include a multidisciplinary installation by Turner Prize-winning British artist Helen Marten at the Palais d'Iéna, presented by Miu Miu; exhibitions by Fabienne Verdier and a group show curated by Matthieu Poirier at the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine; seven monumental sculptures on Avenue Winston Churchill featuring works by Leiko Ikemura, Thomas Houseago, and Arlene Shechet; and quirky sculptures by Julius von Bismarck at the Petit Palais.
This public program matters because it transforms the entire city into an accessible art destination, reinforcing Art Basel Paris's role as a major cultural event that bridges high-end art fairs with free public engagement. The diverse roster of international artists and the integration of historic architectural landmarks as exhibition spaces demonstrate how contemporary art can activate urban environments and reach broader audiences beyond the fair's VIP collectors.