#France #Lyon #Contemporary Art #Lyon Biennale #Isabelle Bertolotti

The Lyon Biennale: A Celebration of Contemporary Art

As the countdown to the 18th Lyon Biennale of Contemporary Art begins, excitement is palpable among artists, collectors, and enthusiasts alike. Set to open to the public on September 19, 2026, this edition promises to be a highlight in the international art calendar. With nearly three months of exhibitions running until December 13, 2026, the event invites a diverse audience to experience art in a multitude of venues across Lyon.

Dates and Professional Preview

The Biennale will kick off with its professional preview days on September 17 and 18, allowing industry professionals including artists, curators, and collectors an exclusive first look. This initiative aims to foster networking and discussions among those driving the contemporary art scene. Professionals who attend will gain access to not only the exhibition venues during these preview days but also to the grand opening reception scheduled for the evening of September 18. It promises to be an engaging start to what is expected to be a vibrant showcase of contemporary art.

A New Artistic Vision

Under the artistic direction of Isabelle Bertolotti and curated by Catherine Nichols, the theme for this year’s Biennale is “Passer d'un rêve à l'autre” (To pass from one dream to another). This theme draws inspiration from Lyon’s famous traboules, passageways that connect different parts of the city. The concept reflects the Biennale's exploration of perception, transitions, and the various collective narratives embedded in contemporary society. The focus will be on understanding how we shift from one mode of perception to another, much like how one moves through the city, fostering a dialogue about economy and relational dynamics that shape human and non-human experiences alike.

Venues and Experience

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore 11 unique venues scattered throughout Lyon, where art will permeate public spaces, cultural institutions, and even former industrial sites. Key locations include:

• - Les Grandes Locos: An industrial venue that resonates with themes of production and transformation.
• - Musée d'art contemporain de Lyon (macLYON): Focused on the existential questions of life and legacy.
• - Musée des Tissus et des Arts décoratifs: Where relationships and exchanges are key themes in the showcased works.

These venues, along with others like the Jardin du Musée des Beaux-Arts and various metro stations, create a city-wide artistic experience that blurs the lines between conventional exhibition spaces and everyday environments. This approach not only enhances accessibility but also allows art to entwine with daily life, claiming public spaces as shared galleries.

A City-Wide Artistic Journey

This year’s Biennale reaffirms Lyon’s identity as a vibrant cultural hub. Visitors will encounter artworks in unexpected places - whether it’s a contemporary piece in a bustling metro station or installations dotting historic sites across the city. Each corner of Lyon tells a story, and the Biennale aims to weave these narratives into a cohesive exploration of contemporary themes.

With 120 artists contributing 400 works, this Biennale is not just an exhibition; it is a call to experience the city through the lenses of various artistic expressions. The intimate interactions with art in diverse settings will inspire attendees to view their surroundings differently, emphasizing the importance of shared human experience in the world of art.

Additional Information

• - Professional Preview Days: September 17-18, 2026
• - Public Opening: September 19, 2026
• - Exhibition Duration: September 19 to December 13, 2026
• - Ticketing: Public ticket sales will be available before the opening, with a Biennale Pass priced at €20 (reduced from €25).

The 18th Lyon Biennale is more than just an event; it is a celebration of collective dreams, an opportunity to traverse the spaces of contemporary thought and creativity, and an invitation to all to engage with the artwork that shapes our cultural landscape.