Lyon Biennale 2026: Your Complete Visitor Guide

📍 South America

September 19 – December 13, 2026

Multiple venues, including macLYON, Les Grandes Locos, and Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie, Lyon, France

📍 Event Overview

Lyon Biennale 2026

Join an elite art fair in its home destination. Your complete overview for Lyon Biennale 2026 features key dates at macLYON, Les Grandes Locos, and Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie, ticketing details, highlighted galleries and creators, and insider guidance on accommodations, cuisine, and parallel arts programming.

Dates:

September 19 – December 13, 2026
Location:

Multiple venues, including macLYON, Les Grandes Locos, and Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie, Lyon, France

The 18th Lyon Biennale of Contemporary Art, running from September 19 to December 13, 2026, transforms Lyon into a global epicenter for contemporary creativity, showcasing innovative works across iconic venues like the Musée d’Art Contemporain de Lyon (macLYON), Les Grandes Locos, and the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie. 🌅 Curated by Catherine Nichols, this edition, titled Echoes of Tomorrow, invites 60 artists from 35 countries to explore themes of collective memory, technological futures, and human interconnectedness. The fair attracts a diverse audience, including collectors, curators, art enthusiasts, and young creatives, with nearly 50% of visitors historically under 26, drawn to its accessible and thought-provoking exhibitions. Set in Lyon’s dynamic Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the Biennale spans industrial spaces like Les Grandes Locos, a former SNCF train maintenance site, and historic venues like the Grand Hôtel-Dieu, blending heritage with avant-garde art. 🎉 Special sections, such as Emerging Visions and Résonance, curated by Nichols, highlight young artists and regional collaborations, fostering dialogue across disciplines. The parallel program includes immersive performances, artist talks, and workshops, making art accessible to all, from seasoned collectors to first-time visitors. Lyon Biennale 2026 solidifies the city’s reputation as France’s premier art event, offering a vibrant platform for global and local creativity during the autumn season.
📋 Key Information
Dates: September 19–December 13, 2026
Location: Multiple venues, including macLYON, Les Grandes Locos, and Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie, Lyon, France
Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM; weekends, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Admission: €16 general, €8 for students and seniors, free for children under 12
Official Website: www.labiennaledelyon.com
Contact: info@labiennaledelyon.com
✨ Highlights
Explore 60 artists, including emerging talents like Elena Roura and established names like Otobong Nkanga, showcasing installations and digital art. 🖼️
Attend daily artist talks at 2:00 PM at macLYON, delving into themes of memory and technology’s impact on society. 🗣️
Experience live performances, such as immersive sound installations by Diego Pazos, at Les Grandes Locos’ industrial halls. 🎭
Join guided tours twice daily, offering insights into curated sections like Emerging Visions. 🚶‍♀️
Participate in workshops on digital art creation at the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie, open to all ages. ✂️
Discover the Lyon Art Prize, awarding €10,000 to an emerging artist, announced on December 10. 💎
🎭 Organizer
The Lyon Biennale is organized by La Biennale de Lyon, a cultural institution founded in 1991, dedicated to promoting contemporary art and dance. The artistic direction, led by Isabelle Bertolotti, collaborates with guest curator Catherine Nichols to craft a visionary program rooted in Lyon’s cultural landscape. Partnering with regional institutions like macLYON and Turismo Lyon, the organization ensures a global yet locally engaged event. Their commitment to accessibility and innovation makes the Biennale a cornerstone of France’s art scene.
🖌️ What to Attend
Emerging Visions Section: Visit booths at macLYON showcasing young artists like Carmen Yruela.
Résonance Program: Explore 200+ regional exhibitions and performances across Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, open daily. 🌐
Live Performances: Catch interactive installations by Clara Vega at Les Grandes Locos, nightly at 6:00 PM. 🎶
Guided Tours: Join tours at 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM across venues, diving into the Biennale’s themes. 🚶‍♂️
Workshops: Engage in hands-on sessions, like AI-driven art creation, at the Grand Hôtel-Dieu. 🖌️
Collector’s Lounge: Network at macLYON for acquisition opportunities, hosted September 20–21. 💎
🎟️ Ticket Information
A week-long pass for Lyon Biennale 2026 costs €16, granting access to all venues, while single-venue tickets are €8 (students and seniors €4 with valid ID). Children under 12 enter free, ensuring a family-friendly experience. Tickets are available online at www.labiennaledelyon.com or at venue ticket offices, with digital passes for convenience. The Lyon City Card offers free entry to the Biennale, a great option for visitors exploring the city. The opening preview on September 18 requires a special invitation, obtainable through the website. Pre-registration for workshops and guided tours is advised due to limited spaces.
🗺️ Getting There
Lyon Biennale 2026 spans multiple venues, with key locations like macLYON (Cité Internationale, 81 Quai Charles de Gaulle, Lyon 6e), Les Grandes Locos (La Mulatière), and the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie (Grand Hôtel-Dieu, Lyon 2e), all accessible by Lyon’s efficient public transport system. 🚇 The nearest Metro stations, Foch (Line A) and Hôtel de Ville (Lines A and C), are within a 10-minute walk or bus ride to macLYON and Grand Hôtel-Dieu. Les Grandes Locos is a 3-minute walk from Gare d’Oullins (Metro Line B), connecting to Lyon-Part-Dieu station in 15 minutes. 🚆 International visitors can fly into Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS), 25 km away, with the Rhônexpress tram reaching Lyon-Part-Dieu in 30 minutes, followed by a Metro or bus to venues. 🚖 Taxis or rideshares from the airport take 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic, and cost around €40. Local TCL buses (C1, C5, C23) serve macLYON and Grand Hôtel-Dieu, with fares at €2, while Lyon’s Vélo’v bike-sharing system offers stations near all venues for eco-friendly travel. Limited parking is available at Quai Charles de Gaulle for macLYON or near Les Grandes Locos, but public transport is recommended during the busy autumn season. Visitors should download the TCL Lyon app or check www.labiennaledelyon.com for real-time navigation and venue maps to enhance their experience.
📜 History
The Lyon Biennale of Contemporary Art, launched in 1991, emerged from a vision to decentralize France’s art scene after the Paris Biennale’s closure in 1985, initially building on Lyon’s October of the Arts (1984–1988). Conceived by Thierry Raspail, former director of macLYON, the first edition, L’Amour de l’Art, showcased 69 artists, including Soulages and Buren, across venues like the Halle Tony Garnier. Financed equally by the City of Lyon and the French Ministry of Culture, the Biennale has grown into one of the world’s top five contemporary art biennales, attracting 280,000 visitors in 2022, half under 26. Each edition explores a unique theme, from globalization (2001, curated by Jean-Hubert Martin) to fragility (2022, curated by Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath), shaped by renowned curators like Harald Szeemann and Hou Hanru. The 2019 transition to Isabelle Bertolotti as artistic director marked a focus on regional engagement, with the 2024–2025 edition (Les Voix des Fleuves, Crossing the Water) introducing new venues like Les Grandes Locos. The Résonance program, launched in 2003, expanded to 250+ regional events by 2022, connecting local art scenes with the Biennale’s global vision. The 2026 edition, curated by Catherine Nichols, builds on this legacy, emphasizing emerging artists and co-creation with Lyon’s communities. Seville Contemporary aims to solidify its reputation as a platform for innovative, accessible art, rooted in Lyon’s industrial and cultural heritage.
🌍 Mission
Lyon Biennale 2026 is committed to making contemporary art a universal language, inviting all to engage with exhibitions and performances as spaces of discovery and dialogue. 🌏 The event champions emerging and international artists, showcasing works that address pressing global issues like technology, memory, and sustainability. It fosters connection through its Résonance program, collaborating with Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes communities to create art that resonates locally and globally. By leveraging venues like Les Grandes Locos, it celebrates Lyon’s industrial heritage while promoting innovative, eco-conscious practices, such as recycled materials in installations. The Biennale prioritizes accessibility, offering affordable tickets and free public events to engage diverse audiences, especially young people. It seeks to spark critical reflection on human relationships and environments, encouraging co-creation between artists and communities. Lyon Biennale connects artists, collectors, and the public, creating a vibrant platform for cultural exchange. Ultimately, it aims to elevate Lyon as a global art hub, blending its historic charm with forward-thinking creativity.
💡 Tips for Visitors
Explore the virtual map on www.labiennaledelyon.com to plan your visit and preview exhibitions across venues. 📱
Wear comfortable shoes to navigate Lyon’s historic streets and sprawling venues like Les Grandes Locos. 👟
Book guided tours and workshops early via the website, as spaces fill quickly during the autumn season. 💻
Bring a notebook to capture insights from artist talks and curator-led discussions. 📝
Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter experience, avoiding weekend crowds. ⏰
Enjoy a meal at Café des Capucins in Vieux Lyon, soaking in the city’s vibrant culinary scene. 🍴
Extend your art journey with visits to the Musée des Beaux-Arts or Confluence Museum nearby. 🏛️
Check event schedules on the website, as some performances have unique timings. 🕒

Mission:

The fair aims to promote the appreciation and understanding of modern and contemporary art, and to support the development of the art market in Brazil and internationally.
Organizer:

SP-Arte

🎨 Key Highlights of SP-Arte 2026

Over 100 galleries participating from around the world
A diverse range of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and photography
A showcase of emerging and established artists, with a focus on innovative and cutting-edge art practices
A series of talks, tours, and events, including artist interviews, panel discussions, and curator-led tours
A unique opportunity to discover new artists, galleries, and art trends, and to purchase art at affordable prices

Why attend to SP-Arte 2026?

SP-Arte 2026 is a premier art fair that brings together a diverse range of modern and contemporary art from around the world 🌎. Here are some reasons why you should attend:

Discover New Artists and Galleries 🎨

SP-Arte 2026 features over 100 galleries and showcases the work of more than 1,000 artists 🎨
Discover new and emerging artists, as well as established ones, and learn about their creative processes and inspirations 🌟

Experience the Best of Modern and Contemporary Art 🎉

SP-Arte 2026 showcases a wide range of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and photography 🎨
Experience the best of Brazilian and international art, and get a glimpse of the latest trends and innovations in the art world 🌎

Networking Opportunities 🤝

SP-Arte 2026 is a great opportunity to meet and network with art professionals, including gallery owners, artists, curators, and collectors 🤝
Make connections, learn about new opportunities, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the art market 📊

Buy Art at Affordable Prices 💸

SP-Arte 2026 offers a unique opportunity to buy art at affordable prices, with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars 💸
Find the perfect piece of art to add to your collection, or discover new artists and galleries to follow 🎨

Enjoy a Unique and Engaging Experience 🎉

SP-Arte 2026 is a vibrant and engaging event, with a range of activities and events, including talks, tours, and performances 🎉
Enjoy a unique and immersive experience, and take part in the excitement of the art world 🌟

Support the Art Community 🌈

SP-Arte 2026 is a non-profit organization that aims to promote and develop the art market in Brazil 🌈
By attending the fair, you are supporting the art community and contributing to the growth and development of the art market 🎨

Be Part of a Global Art Event 🌎

SP-Arte 2026 is part of a global art event, with art fairs and exhibitions taking place around the world 🌎
Be part of a global community of art lovers and professionals, and stay connected with the latest developments in the art world 📊
Don't miss out on the opportunity to attend SP-Arte 2026 and experience the best of modern and contemporary art 🎨! 🎉👏

🎟️ Ticket Information

General Admission: R50/12 USD
Students and Seniors: R30/7 USD
Children under 12: Free
Multi-Day Pass: R100/25 USD
Private View: R200/50 USD

🚗 Getting There:

By Metro 🚂

The nearest metro station is "AACD-Servidor" (Green Line) 🚂
From the metro station, take a taxi or bus to the Fundação Bienal de São Paulo (approximately 10-15 minutes) 🚕

By Bus 🚌

Several bus lines pass through Ibirapuera Park, including lines 106A, 106B, and 107A 🚌
Get off at the "Bienal" stop and walk to the Fundação Bienal de São Paulo (approximately 5-10 minutes) 🚶‍♀️

By Taxi 🚕

Taxis are widely available in São Paulo and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance 🚕
The journey from the city center to the Fundação Bienal de São Paulo takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic 🕒

By Ride-Hailing 🚗

Ride-hailing services such as Uber and 99 are widely available in São Paulo 🚗
The journey from the city center to the Fundação Bienal de São Paulo takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic 🕒

On Foot 🚶‍♀️

The Fundação Bienal de São Paulo is located in Ibirapuera Park, which is a beautiful and safe area for walking 🌳
If you are staying in the nearby area, you can walk to the Fundação Bienal de São Paulo (approximately 10-20 minutes) 🚶‍♀️

Parking 🅿️

There is a parking lot available at the Fundação Bienal de São Paulo, with a fee of approximately R$ 20 per hour 🅿️
Please note that parking spaces are limited and it is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot 🕒

Secure Your Spot at SP-Arte 2026 — Before It’s Too Late

Tickets are limited and sell out fast.
Get instant access to the official SP-Arte registration page and be the first to know about exclusive events, VIP passes, and travel perks.

🔔 Early access. 🎫 Limited availability. 🌍 Global art at your fingertips.

🎨 Gallery: SP-Arte 2026

History of SP-Arte 2026

SP-Arte is a premier art fair that takes place annually in São Paulo, Brazil 🇧🇷. The fair has a rich history that spans over two decades, and has become one of the most important art events in Latin America 🌟.

Early Years (2005-2010) 🎉
The first edition of SP-Arte took place in 2005, and was founded by a group of Brazilian art dealers and collectors 🎨. The fair was initially held at the Pavilhão Ciccillo Matarazzo in São Paulo, and featured a small group of local galleries and artists 📍.

Growth and Expansion (2010-2015) 🚀
In the early 2010s, SP-Arte began to grow and expand, with more galleries and artists participating each year 📈. The fair moved to the Bienal Pavilion in Ibirapuera Park, which provided a larger and more modern venue 🌳.

International Recognition (2015-2020) 🌎
In 2015, SP-Arte was recognized as one of the most important art fairs in the world by the art market magazine, Artprice 🌟. The fair continued to grow and expand, with more international galleries and artists participating each year 🌍.

COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2022) 🌪️
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the fair, and the event was held online instead 📊. In 2022, the fair returned to its physical format, with a smaller but still significant number of galleries and artists participating 🎨.

SP-Arte 2026 🎉
The 2026 edition of SP-Arte promises to be one of the most exciting and innovative editions yet 🎉. The fair will feature over 100 galleries and showcase the work of more than 1,000 artists from around the world 🌎.

Milestones 🎉

2005: First edition of SP-Arte takes place at the Pavilhão Ciccillo Matarazzo in São Paulo 🎨
2010: Fair moves to the Bienal Pavilion in Ibirapuera Park 🌳
2015: SP-Arte is recognized as one of the most important art fairs in the world by Artprice 🌟
2020: Fair is cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic, and held online instead 📊
2022: Fair returns to its physical format, with a smaller but still significant number of galleries and artists participating 🎨
2026: SP-Arte celebrates its 22nd edition, with over 100 galleries and more than 1,000 artists participating 🎉

Statistics 📊

Over 100 galleries participating in the 2026 edition 📈
More than 1,000 artists showcasing their work 🎨
Over 20,000 visitors expected to attend the fair 🌟
Over $10 million in art sales expected 📊

The history of SP-Arte is a testament to the fair's commitment to promoting and developing the art market in Brazil and internationally 🌎. With its rich history and reputation for excellence, SP-Arte 2026 is an event not to be missed 🎉! 🎨👏

🎨 Mission of SP-Arte 2026

The mission of SP-Arte 2026 is to promote and develop the art market in Brazil and internationally, while fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and excellence in the art world 🌎. Our mission is guided by the following principles:

Promote Brazilian Art 🇧🇷

To showcase the best of Brazilian modern and contemporary art, and to promote the work of Brazilian artists and galleries 🎨
To provide a platform for Brazilian artists to exhibit their work and to connect with international art professionals and collectors 🌟

Foster International Exchange 🌎

To bring together art professionals, collectors, and enthusiasts from around the world, and to foster international exchange and collaboration 🌍
To provide a unique opportunity for international galleries and artists to showcase their work in Brazil, and to connect with the Brazilian art market 🌈

Support Emerging Artists 🌟

To provide a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work and to gain international recognition 🌟
To support the development of new and innovative art practices, and to encourage experimentation and creativity in the art world 🎨

Educate and Engage 📚

To educate and engage the public about modern and contemporary art, and to promote a culture of art appreciation and criticism 📚
To provide a range of educational programs and activities, including talks, tours, and workshops, to enhance the visitor experience and to foster a deeper understanding of the art on display 📊

Nurture a Community 🌈

To nurture a community of art professionals, collectors, and enthusiasts, and to provide a platform for networking and collaboration 🌈
To foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose among members of the art community, and to promote a culture of mutual support and respect 🤝

Innovate and Evolve 🚀

To innovate and evolve in response to changing trends and technologies in the art world, and to stay at the forefront of contemporary art practices 🚀
To continuously evaluate and improve our programs and services, and to ensure that they remain relevant and effective in promoting the art market and supporting the art community 📈

By fulfilling our mission, we aim to make a positive impact on the art world, and to contribute to the growth and development of the art market in Brazil and internationally 🌎. 🎨👏

💡 Tips for Visitors of SP-Arte 2026

Plan your day: With so much to see, plan your day in advance to make the most of your visit 📅.
Wear comfortable shoes: Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk and stand for long periods 🚶‍♀️.
Bring a water bottle: Bring a water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the day 💧.
Take breaks: Take breaks and rest your feet at one of the fair's many cafes or restaurants 🍴.
Ask questions: Don't be afraid to ask gallery owners, artists, or fair staff questions about the art, prices, or anything else 🤔.

Be the First to Access
Official SP-Arte 2026 Tickets

Don’t miss your chance to attend one of the world’s leading art fairs. Get direct access to the official ticketing page, exclusive updates, and important visitor information.

🎟️ Priority access. 💬 Expert tips. 📍 São Paulo-ready.

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