Paris Internationale, an art fair driven by a mindset of independence, collaboration, and partnerships, displays contemporary art at different locations each year. The fair leverages the abundantly available existing infrastructures to create a unique, environmentally conscious experience for a limited time. The strategy to occupy buildings in an in-between state is a strong commitment to addressing the problem of underutilization and mono-use of spaces within our cities. This is the fourth year Christ & Gantenbein are collaborating with Paris Internationale, creating an exhibition design that not only responds to the uniqueness of each venue but also accentuates the building’s typological features, with a strong emphasis on permeability and connectivity.
Adopting a radical system that sets a clear framework and by introducing walls instead of boxes, the design challenges the encapsulation typical of art fair layouts. This system, a departure from the corridor as the art fair’s central organizational unit, subtly guides visitors around the building with minimal effort and materials. True to the identity of Paris Internationale, neon lights and simple walls with minimal finishes remain primary elements, delineating booths and showcasing artwork. The result, underpinned by a commitment to maintaining the building’s historical integrity while introducing modern elements that facilitate the display and appreciation of art, is a bold blend where the past dialogues with the present.
Christ & Gantenbein’s architectural interventions for Paris Internationale merge contextuality with radicality through minimal means, ensuring a unique experience for both exhibitors and visitors .
Paris Internationale 2025
The 11th edition of the fair takes place in a former store space at Rond-point des Champs-Élysées. This new venue, Hôtel Bamberger, is a classic three-story “hôtel particulier” only a couple of steps away from the Grand Palais. The space extends over three levels — ground floor, mezzanine, and basement — covering a total area of about 5,000 m². The two main floors, the ground floor and the basement, each offer nearly 2,000 m², which is comparable to former venues, but the layout is more compact: the majority of galleries are spread over just two levels, compared to six during last year’s edition. As for the exhibition layout, the booths remain open-ended, encouraging visual continuity and smooth circulation between galleries.
This year, particular attention was given to the quality and design of the furnishings. From side furniture, seating and the reception desk, every element is conceived to invite visitors to use the space freely and informally. The zones surrounding the grand central staircase — including the café and bookstore located on both the ground floor and basement — serve as vital social hubs. These spaces encourage moments of encounter and pause, enhancing the overall experience and creating a sense of community within the venue.
Christ & Gantenbein’s exhibition design interprets the building as an urban space, which fosters a sense of openness and exchange. This year’s venue with its extensive interior presents a significant challenge—particularly in creating a layout that felt both intuitive and engaging. To meet this, the team introduced a unique concept of “micro-urbanism.” Instead of treating the exhibition as a simple sequence of booths, each floor was envisioned as a miniature city, composed of distinct neighborhoods organized around a central square.
This urban-inspired structure fosters movement and interaction, offering visitors clear orientation and a natural flow through the space. As they navigate from one neighborhood to another, guests experience a sense of gradual discovery, making the exploration of the galleries both accessible and dynamic.
