Asia Now 2025 transforms the Monnaie de Paris into a ritual

Few know it yet, but Asia Now returns for its 11th edition from October 21 to 26, 2025 at the Monnaie de Paris, with one watchword: “Ceremony”. After an in-depth analysis of the program, the event confirms its major role for contemporary Asian art in Europe, with some 70 galleries from Asia and the diaspora.

A unique platform for Asian art

Asia Now has established itself as Europe’s leading fair for contemporary Asian art. Founded 11 years ago, this initiative brings together international galleries and cultural players around Paris. Unlike other art fairs, Asia Now focuses on strong interdisciplinary dialogues, from visual works to monumental installations.

Our fieldwork reveals that the 2025 program is ambitiously structured around the notion of ceremony, understood as a cultural, social and artistic practice. The 70 or so participating galleries from China, Korea, India, Japan, South Asia and the diaspora consolidate the event’s worldwide reputation.

This showcase secures Paris a place in the international contemporary art fair calendar. It already rivals a number of major Asian fairs in terms of attendance and curatorial diversity, while integrating the specificity of an emblematic venue: the Monnaie de Paris.

A conceptual common thread: the ceremony

The 2025 edition focuses on the theme of “Ceremony”. According to artistic director Nicolas Bourriaud, ceremonies are not simply traditional rituals, but a critical tool for transforming social structures. This immersive approach offers a new reading of the interactions between art and community.

During our last meeting with participating curators, it became clear that this theme allows us to go beyond the clichés associated with Oriental art. The works presented explore memory, identities and urban transformations, opening up new perspectives on contemporary society.

The choice of the Monnaie de Paris, a historic institution located on the Quai de Conti, accentuates this ceremonial dimension. The combination of heritage and artistic innovation offers a striking contrast, already attracting the attention of European curators.

An event eagerly awaited by the art world

Since the beginning of September, the fair has been attracting considerable media coverage in trade publications and the Paris press. Professionals agree that Asia Now has established itself as a must-attend event in just a decade. The schedule includes a VIP opening on October 21 and a public opening from October 22 to 26, 2025.

The organizers have already confirmed that they will be staging spectacular site-specific installations and performances, enhancing the appeal of the event for European collectors and critics. A number of galleries will be unveiling brand-new creations, consolidating the cultural and commercial value of the event.

“Asia Now is a curated platform fostering rich dialogues and deeply engaged programming.” – Nicolas Bourriaud, artistic director

The event also benefits from the support of institutions such as Asia Society France, further establishing its legitimacy in the cultural landscape. This partnership dimension guarantees an outreach beyond Paris.

A space for intercultural dialogue

The organizers stress the importance of dialogue between East, West and South. The event is not limited to a space for the sale of works, but encourages real intellectual encounters. Conferences and debates on the social role of art reinforce its singularity.

Unlike other fairs, Asia Now favors emerging scenes and offers visibility to many artists at the start of their careers. This enriches diversity and attracts a young, inquisitive public. Paris thus reinforces its status as an international cultural hub, on a par with Hong Kong and Tokyo.

“Asia Now seeks to ‘go beyond the borders’ that have long defined East and West.” – Going out in Paris, September 2025

This commitment is reflected in the program, which includes engaging performances and interactive installations open to the public. The event is a catalyst for artistic reflection.

Behind the scenes and future prospects

This dynamic has been accompanied by steady growth in the number of galleries for over 10 years. By 2025, with some 70 exhibiting spaces, the event will already be rivalling other older international events. As insiders know, Asia Now has become a structuring player for contemporary Asian art in Europe.

With the forthcoming edition, Paris welcomes an art scene that is often marginalized at other fairs. The impact is also being felt by local institutions, which are stepping up their partnerships. This growing recognition paves the way for long-term collaborations.

The program’s social and political commitment is confirmed: performances on memory, installations on collective identities, works exploring the symbolic power of ceremony. This model gives Asia Now a cultural authority that is difficult to contest.

Several renowned galleries, such as Boulakia, are already announcing new presentations. The diversity of the artists exhibited underlines the scope of this artistic event. The Parisian and international public will be able to gauge the richness of a program designed to make a lasting impression, starting with the press preview on October 17.

Practical information

Address: Monnaie de Paris, 11 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris. Metro: Pont Neuf (line 7), Odéon (lines 4 and 10), Saint-Michel (RER B, line 4). Dates: October 21 (VIP preview); October 22 to 26, 2025 (general public). Opening hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tickets available from September on the official website. Prices: from €20 (discounts available). Contact: [email protected].

To immerse you in the cultural effervescence of Paris, Asia Now is added to the list of autumn highlights, alongside gastronomic addresses such as Cherry. For other cultural experiences, see our selections in what to do in Paris and experience.