Nothing is more magical than getting lost in Paris! Here are just a couple of checkpoints I’d like to recommend to keep your compass in check.
The Palais de Tokyo is a must-visit whenever I find myself in Paris. It’s a grand contemporary art center, the largest in Europe, where I’ve had the pleasure of exploring some of my all-time favorite exhibitions, featuring artists like Mimosa Eschard, Anne Imhoff, and captivating Robert Smithson drawings. Don’t forget to check out the quirky, well-stocked boutique post-visit and unwind with a spritz at Bambini, the bar within the museum. During summer, it offers a delightful view of the Tour Eiffel.
P.S. For those burning the midnight oil, fret not! Palais de Tokyo stays open until 10 pm, and if you fancy a more intimate visit, take advantage of the Thursday midnight closing.
Palais de Tokyo
13 Av. du Président Wilson
75116 Paris
www.palaisdetokyo.com
Galerie Perrotin. Emmanuel Perrotin, a true enfant prodige, established his first gallery in Paris at the age of 21 and has since conquered the art world with galleries in Hong Kong, New York, Dubai, and more. The Paris Gallery, housed in an exquisite 18th-century building in the Marais district. Galerie Perrotin represents fundamental contemporary artists on the international scene, including Maurizio Cattelan, JR, Barry McGee, Paola Pivi, Elmgreen & Dragset, Laurent Grasso, Sophie Calle. Step inside, as each visit is a new discovery, and don’t miss the (not only) bookshop in the courtyard—it’s a real treat!
Galerie Perrotin Paris
76 Rue de Turenne
75003 Paris
www.perrotin.com
On a sunny day, escape the chaos of Paris and venture to the Bois De Vincennes—a vast green area perfect for picnics, peaceful walks, and a visit to the Parc Floral de Paris. Sip a glass of rosé in the lovely garden of Rosa Bonheur, a delightful spot within the park. If you’re around in June, check out the lineup of the We Love Green festival— with amazing performances every year (Gorillaz, Jorja Smith, Pusha T, Nathy Peluso, Phoenix, Shygirl,…)
Bois de Vincennes
Route de la Pyramide
75012 Paris
www.welovegreen.fr
La Bourse de Commerce showcases part of François Pinault’s extensive art collection to the public. With over 10,000 works, including pieces by Sherman, Bak, Boetti, Kentridge, Buren, Kruger, Gonzalez-Torres, Anselmo, Vasconcelos (etc) the collection is a treasure trove. The circular Bourse de Commerce building, a masterpiece of the Enlightenment era, has been rejuvenated by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Immerse yourself in a dialogue between majestic frescoes and contemporary art. For an extraordinary experience, dine at Halle aux Grains, the restaurant on the museum’s third floor.
La Bourse de Commerce
2 Rue de Viarmes
75001 Paris
www.pinaultcollection.com
Whenever I stroll through Le Marais, I make it a point to visit Ofr. This unique space, established in 1996, is not just a bookshop but also a gallery, a studio, a publisher, and more. Explore new arrivals, niche magazines, and art books, some of which are no longer in production—perfect for one-of-a-kind gifts. Open every day, Ofr. is a must-visit no excuses. You’ll find a moment to explore, and you won’t be disappointed.
Ofr
20 Rue Dupetit-Thouars
75003 Paris
www.instagram.com/ofrparis/
Gare Paris – Montparnasse. Don’t miss the two large murals by Victor Vasarely in the lobby of Gare Montparnasse if you arrive or depart from there. For more free contemporary art, check out „Les Deux Plateaux“ by Daniel Buren in front of Palais Royal, „Bouquet of Tulips“ by Jeff Koons in the gardens of the Petit Palais, and the „Fontaine Stravinsky“ by Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely near the Pompidou Center.
Gare Paris – Montparnasse
17 Bd de Vaugirard
75015 Paris
Step into the world of Tokyo’s izakaya at Onii-San. This Japanese restaurant, inspired by popular Parisian bistros, offers a creative and fusion-inspired menu. Share delicious small plates of traditional Japanese cuisine with friends in a relaxed and chic atmosphere. Don’t forget to explore their sake selection—the ritual of choosing your sake glass is a unique touch. Chef’s suggestion (or maybe mine): toro sando (pictured)
Tokyo’s izakaya at Onii-San
82 Rue des Archives
75003 Paris
www.onii-san.fr
For classic French dishes at an affordable price, Brasserie Dubillot is the place to be. This fast-paced, friendly eatery honors the great French culinary heritage. Enjoy home-style dishes like saucisse purée, œuf mayo and bavette frites. For a different experience, opt for the vin à la ficelle option: they serve you a bottle, and you pay for what you drink!
Brasserie Dubillot
222 Rue Saint-Denis
75002 Paris
www.lanouvellegarde.com
Margherita Animelli lives and works between Bergamo, Milan and Paris. She started drawing before she learned how to walk and at the end of her art studies (painting) at Giacomo Carrara Academy of Fine Arts she graduated with a thesis on the motifs and meanings of destruction in art history (exactly since graduation day, not satisfied, she has been obsessively reworking her thesis. A taste here: @burrrghi). Margherita works as a freelancer in the field of cultural communication as PA for Lara Facco P & C, an award-winning Italian press office for culture and art events, and she’s the Curator of Archivio Mariella Bettineschi. Nevertheless, she has never stopped working and cultivating her own artistic path, even though very intimately, only for a few (hopefully not long). For her creative projects for 2024 stay tuned @marrrgh.
