Fondation Cartier x Jean Nouvel: the select opening that will mark Paris in 2025

A well-kept secret at the Palais-Royal: on October 25, 2025, the Fondation Cartier will inaugurate a building designed by Jean Nouvel. The exhibition will bring together nearly 600 works from 40 years of international contemporary art. Few know it yet, but the event promises to be one of the biggest cultural shocks in Paris this year.

A unique cultural project

Our investigation reveals that the Fondation Cartier has chosen a former Haussmann department store in the heart of Paris’s 1st arrondissement. This historic building, completely transformed, embodies the institution’s desire to establish itself in an emblematic, accessible location steeped in history. Unlike their former site on boulevard Raspail, this new space is designed to evolve and be as close as possible to the cultural life of Paris.

With its five mobile platforms and large glass roofs, Jean Nouvel’s architecture combines heritage and innovation. The site is not reduced to a conventional museum, but becomes a living, adaptive organism, capable of renewing the artistic experience with each visit.

A manifesto exhibition

From October 25, 2025, the ” Exposition Générale ” exhibition will open its doors, bringing together 100 major artists from the global contemporary scene. This exceptional exhibition brings together works exhibited since 1984, retracing 40 years of daring programming. Industry professionals agree: few private institutions offer such an ambitious panorama.

The title, a nod to 19th-century department stores and world’s fairs, illustrates a historical parallel between urban modernity and material culture. This historical reading lends new depth to the Foundation’s approach, resonating the past with the contemporary avant-garde.

A building designed by Jean Nouvel

Jean Nouvel, who already designed the Foundation’s first headquarters in 1994, has come up with an ambitious vision in which glass and mechanical modernity are deployed in the heart of the Palais-Royal. The wide glass roofs open up luminous perspectives on the city, and the interior mobility of the platforms offers a flexible scenography never seen before.

Since our last site visit, work has progressed with rare technical precision. The space, designed to encourage encounters between artistic disciplines, will be able to accommodate monumental installations as well as intimate performances, with no structural constraints.

“The building symbolizes the dialogue between Parisian heritage and modernity, thanks to five mobile platforms designed by Jean Nouvel.” – Metalocus, 2025

This new architectural showcase embodies the evolution of a foundation turned towards the future, without denying its strong historical roots.

Ambitious programming

The inaugural exhibition will be followed by a series of flagship events designed to enhance the capital’s heritage and cultural appeal. The Fondation plans to bring together contemporary art, architecture and new technologies, positioning the Palais-Royal as an international crossroads for creativity.

Tickets will be available from September 23, 2025, and are already attracting considerable interest from art lovers and collectors. Officials are predicting record attendance, confirming Paris as the world’s leading centre for contemporary art.

“Our exhibition brings together nearly 600 works, covering 40 years of international contemporary creation.” – Head of programming, Fondation Cartier, 2025

This ambition repositioned the Fondation Cartier as a leading player in the private cultural network, on a par with major international institutions.

What this means for Paris

Contrary to popular belief, the opening of a private venue on this scale does not compete with public museums, but complements them. As a result, Paris benefits from a new hub in the city center, capable of attracting international visitors and revitalizing the entire area. This balance between heritage and innovation illustrates a growing trend.

Our analysis shows that the Foundation contributes to broadening cultural diversity and supports the recognition of emerging artists alongside leading figures. This juxtaposition of talents creates a unique creative effervescence.

The urban impact is also noteworthy: the transformation of a former department store into an art venue bears witness to the reinvention of Haussmann’s heritage. This choice is in line with a strong trend in Paris, which is transforming its historic sites into hubs of modern creation.

Expected visitor numbers will be boosted by its strategic location, just a stone’s throw from the Louvre and Opéra Garnier, making the Palais-Royal a new center of artistic attraction.

Practical information

Address: 2 place du Palais-Royal, 75001 Paris. Metro: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (lines 1, 7). Dates: General Exhibition from October 25, 2025 to August 23, 2026. Tickets: opening September 23, 2025. Opening hours: every day except Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Prices: full price around €12, concessions available. Official website: fondationcartier.com. To prepare your outing, the editors also recommend taking a look at this unmissable fashion event, which will be taking place in Paris at the same time.