Throw in names like The Lourve and the Musée d’Orsay, and you’ll be sure to justify Paris’ leadership in the world of art history. However, if you have already seen your fair share of High Renaissance and Impressionism paintings, take a break from la Grande Galerie and head to the streets to explore the contemporary art scene that is thriving here in Paris!
Check out a few of these galleries when you don’t feel like braving the crowds, but are still craving an art-filled afternoon.
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LUMAS
Address: 40 Rue de Seine, 75006
Metro: Mabillon Line 10
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm
LUMAS Gallery first lures you in with a bright neon sign. Then once inside, it does not disappoint as it specializes in limited edition prints from established and emerging photographers. With its cozy interior, the gallery lets each visitor imagine how each photograph would fit into the perfect contemporary living room.
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Galerie Ariel Jakob
Address: 28 Place des Vosges, 75003
Metro: Saint-Paul Line 1
Hours: Monday-Sunday 11am-7:30pm
Galerie Ariel Jakob represents artists who, in their own words, “produce figurative work that verges on the abstract.” This is currently seen on display with delicate metal sculptures by Nimrod Messeg beside Charles Villenueve’s lovely architectural drawings of Paris. Stop by if you’re looking for a quiet and whimsical escape from the busy Marais neighborhood.
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Galerie George Phillipe and Nathalie Vallois
Address: 36 Rue de Seine, 75006
Metro: Mabillon Line 10
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:30am-1pm, 2pm-7pm
Tucked away near Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Galerie Vallois specializes in “Nouveau Realisme”. Be prepared to step into a carefully curated space of artists who choose to question societal norms. This is apparent in the current Richard Jackson show, “French Kiss” which provides a quirky yet interesting break from the outside world.
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Modus Art Gallery
Address: 23 Place des Vosges, 75003
Metro: Saint-Paul Line 1
Hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-8:30pm
Stop by Modus Art Gallery for a unique variety of modern and contemporary art. Here you’ll find fascinating pieces combining an assortment of mediums and techniques. Don’t miss out on Juan Miguel Palacios’s emotional mixed-media pieces, or Joshua Jensen-Nagel’s ethereal photographs.
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Art Symbol
Address: 24 Place des Vosage, 75003
Metro: Mabillon Line 10
Hours: Monday-Sunday 11am-8pm
A trip to the galleries at Place des Vosges would not be complete without a visit to Art Symbol. The gallery represents figurative and abstract artists who work primarily in sculpture, painting and photography. With their current overlapping Braud and Chinikov exhibitions, the gallery serves as a bright and colorful escape from the cold and dreary winter days.