The 2025 show, Art Capital
A Parisian Art Tradition Fights to Survive?
A Historic show in the spotlight : Again
It’s hard to believe that an event as iconic and deeply rooted in Paris’ art history as The 2025 show, Art Capital, could ever be in danger.
And yet… its future is far from guaranteed.
After the Grand Palais closed for renovations in 2021, the temporary structure known as the Grand Palais Éphémère hosted Art Capital until 2024.
But now, in 2025, the fair has officially returned to its legendary home.
Good news, right? Well… not exactly.
While the official inauguration of the newly renovated Grand Palais won’t happen until June 6 due to finishing touches still underway,
the return itself feels like a victory.
The venue is dazzling restored to its former glory, with its iconic glass roof letting natural light flood the space.
But despite the grand setting and record-breaking attendance, the truth is:
Art Capital is still fighting to survive.
Numbers That Speak Volumes
Let’s start with the good stuff:
✅ Over 3,000 artists showcased their work
✅ A record-breaking 15,000 visitors on opening night (February 18)
✅ Total attendance reached over 51,000, the highest in the event’s history
So yes, it was a hit. But behind the scenes, there’s a serious issue brewing.
Money Matters
Here’s the real challenge: Funding .
In past years, government support covered around €300,000 for all four historic salons under the Art Capital, including:
- Salon des Indépendants
- Salon Comparaisons
- Salon Dessin Peinture à l’Eau
- Salon des Artistes Français
This year?
That support dropped drastically — to just €50,000.
And the price tag from the Grand Palais for hosting the event? Around €360,000.
How did they pull it off this time?
By relying heavily on volunteers.
But if organizers can barely make ends meet today, what does the future hold?
With shrinking state budgets and global uncertainties, long-term stability remains a question mark.
A Global Gathering of Artists
Art Capital was born in 2006, as a way to unite France’s traditional art salons into one powerful, collaborative force.
It quickly became the biggest gathering of artists in France, showcasing emerging and established talents, not only from France but increasingly from abroad.
With over 40,000 visitors every year, it’s more than just a fair, it’s a cultural landmark.
You’ll find everything from paintings and drawings to sculptures and mixed media, all displayed across the breathtaking halls of the Grand Palais.
My visit to The 2025 show., Art Capital,
I missed the VIP preview (my bad), but I made up for it by spending three full days wandering through the aisles, camera in hand, notebook ready,
and curiosity wide open.
Among the many artists I met, a few stood out:
Gabriel Robu, sculptor of the sea
A sculptor I’ve followed since his exhibition in Normandy with an interview and last year’s edition at the Palais Éphémère.
This year, Gabriel Robu presented « Ocean »
A stunning olive wood sculpture (50x85x215 cm) featuring 29 marine creatures carved in 3D.
It’s a massive piece, both in size and emotion.
Unfortunately, my photos didn’t do it justice, blame the lighting and my lens choice
Guylaine Conquet, From TV to Canvas
Formerly a beloved TV journalist in Guadeloupe, Guylaine shifted careers in 2015 and has since become a celebrated painter.
Now based in Atlanta, she exhibits worldwide, including in New York, Miami, London and Paris.
At the show, I discovered her beautiful portrait of Axelle Saint-Cirel.
The Guadeloupean opera singer who performed La Marseillaise, on the rooftop of the Grand Palais during the Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony.
Her warm personality and joyful energy made our chat unforgettable.
Jeong Soo Hwa ,an International Star
From Seoul, Korea, Jeong Soo Hwa is no stranger to the international art scene.
She’s participated in over 530 exhibitions and leads several art promotion organizations in South Korea.
Our conversation was… unique! She doesn’t speak French or English well, and I don’t speak Korean.
So we relied on a handheld translator device. Some translations were hilarious, others confusing, but we got there!
Final Thoughts
Walking through Art Capital 2025 show, felt like stepping into a living museum, filled with stories, colors, textures and emotions.
There were literally thousands of artists showing work … too many to mention here.
If you haven’t been yet, I highly recommend checking it out in 2026.
Whether you’re into classical painting, bold contemporary art or intricate sculpture, Art Capital is a place where creativity knows no bounds.
Written by Dominique Henry, March 15, 2025
For infos spectacles loisirs, French magazine.
🔁 Article republished June 18, 2025, after a site plugin crash
🔁 If you would like to see more photos, we have added more in the French version of the article.
We sincerely apologize for not being able to feature more artists.
To do so, you can contact the fair and request their catalog.