What to Expect at a Parisian Gallery Opening

Gallery opening receptions, also known as a vernissage, are a great opportunity to discover local art establishments while exploring neighborhoods and meeting people. I have been to a few in Paris, and here are my tips on what to expect when seeking art in this particular city:

Where to Find Events

There are particular neighborhoods in the city that have a high concentration of small galleries within close proximity. These include Saint-Germain-des-Près (6e arrondissement) and Le Marais (3e arrondisement). On some weekends, organized gallery hops are held in these areas to promote local exhibitions and attract potential customers and press. Paris also holds numerous seasonal salon shows in major spaces such as the Grand Palais that feature stalls presenting hundreds of international artists. You can search online to discover public art events and organize gallery outings. Here are some websites I’d recommend:

Slash Paris

Paris Gallery Map

One Arty Minute

What to Expect

Many opening nights I have attended have been commercial—that is, the art on view is exhibited to be purchased. Featured artists will typically be present, available to explain their pieces and creative process. For the larger salons, galleries and independent artists display their work in allocated sections/stands, while gallerists and potential collectors explore the halls. Salons are generally organized by medium and technique (abstract art, sculpture, realism, etc.).

My favorite gallery events are more independent and experimental—typically hosted by art students, young curators, or postmodern collectives. However, these events are harder to find, as they are usually publicized through word of mouth or small, connected networks.

There is usually wine/champagne offered at openings, either by the gallery or the artists themselves. Some events also offer small hors d'oeuvres and it’s usually all free. One good way to start a conversation is to ask a gallerist/artist for a pamphlet or business card. You can get information on upcoming events and perhaps even get added to lists for more exclusive events.

You can take pictures of the art as you please, though many of these openings can become crowded, so it is not an ideal time for press-quality photography of the works on display. I would recommend against taking photos with the art on opening night—it’s a bit of a general faux-pas if you are not the artist or curator, since a vernissage is essentially a celebration of their labor. However, feel free to return for photos another day.

My Most Recent Vernissage Experience

I recently attended the opening night reception for « École Paris-BXL », an exhibition presenting modern and contemporary artworks highlighting the relationship between emerging art scenes in Paris and Brussels, Belgium.

Hosted by Galerie Transplantation, an independent, non-profit project dedicated to the valorization of modern and contemporary diasporic practices (and created by a very talented friend), the show aimed to reinvest in narratives typically omitted from art historical discourses. With a serving of white wine in a paper cup, I explored the small but well-curated space and struck up conversation with other art-lovers.