Acne Studios opens an art gallery in Paris… but it’s not just an exhibition space!

On June 25, Acne Studios inaugurates a new permanent cultural venue in the heart of Paris.
But behind this gallery lies a more refined strategy, at the crossroads of art, fashion and publishing.

From the Palais Royal to the Paris art scene

Housed in the former Jardins du Palais Royal boutique, the new Acne Studios gallery does more than just show works. It promises conferences, exhibitions, book signings and magazine launches. In short, a place of exchange for established artists and emerging talents alike.

The first exhibition, scheduled for the end of June, will feature Paul Kooiker. He will present a series of 42 portraits of students at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam. While evoking the tradition of the school portrait, these images explore the uncertainty of contemporary youth.

A physical extension of Acne Paper magazine

Called Acne Paper Gallery, the space is a direct reference to the in-house magazine, relaunched in 2021 after a seven-year hiatus. Conceived as a hybrid between magazine and art book, Acne Paper explores photography, literature, clothing and music.

The gallery thus becomes a natural extension of the medium. Better still, it enables the brand to claim cultural legitimacy, just as Louis Vuitton, Chanel or Dior have already built up with their artistic foundations.

Acne Studios, between strategy and aesthetics

This new venue embodies a strong trend: fashion brands are no longer content to create clothes, they are creating worlds. By establishing itself in the Parisian artistic landscape, Acne Studios is not just a showcase, but a cultural player.

Also read: What Alexander McQueen is up to (and it’s not a collection)