Fondation Cartier
Fondation Cartier
Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain
Fondation Cartier
The Fondation Cartier is an exhibition space dedicated to contemporary art in all its forms. Nature and our relationship with it are recurring themes. World-famous artists as well as (as yet) completely unknown talents from around the globe take turns showcasing their work here.
For decades, the Fondation Cartier has been one of the most important addresses for contemporary art in Paris.
On 25 October 2025, the foundation opened its new premises in the historic centre of Paris – right on the Place du Palais-Royal. The building, designed by the renowned architect Jean Nouvel (Louvre Abu Dhabi, Torre Agbar in Barcelona, and Musée du Quai Branly), is not only a venue for contemporary art but a work of art in itself: a perfect symbiosis of transparency, light, and modern aesthetics. A must-visit for art and architecture enthusiasts alike!
My Rating:
The Positives:
Wow, this could become one of my new favorite spots in the Parisian art world!
Even though I'm not really into contemporary art… The atmospheric architecture, the diversity of the artists on display, the playful atmosphere – there's so much to discover here!
(Anne's rating of the old location was 4 stars)
The Negatives:
If you're not into modern art, you're better off going to the Louvre across the street. But otherwise, I really can't think of anything negative.
Tip:
Want even more art, but also need some fresh air? Afterward, take a stroll in the Jardin du Palais Royal and check out Daniel Buren's iconic columns.
Last Modified: 11.11.2025 | Céline & Anne
The details
at a glance
Fondation Cartier
Photo Gallery
A Place of Encounter:
The New Building
Jean Nouvel, renowned for his innovative designs, has created a building for the Fondation Cartier that blends seamlessly into the historic surroundings of the Palais-Royal while captivating visitors with its modern architectural language. Choosing a site directly opposite the Louvre makes a bold statement for the new museum’s location.
Glass, steel and organic shapes define the structure, which features exhibition spaces spread across three floors, with mezzanines and galleries throughout. It beautifully unites the tradition of the site with the avant-garde spirit of contemporary art. The building, in classic Haussmann style, was once part of the 1855 World’s Fair and later housed the Grands Magasins du Louvre. It’s fascinating to see how interior and exterior spaces merge so fluidly here!
Some of the floor-to-ceiling windows could almost do with warning signs — at times you’d swear you could simply step straight out onto the street. That illusion is made possible by a cleaning team constantly at work keeping every pane of glass spotless, as I noticed during my visit.
What is there
to see?
The Fondation Cartier is renowned for its experimental exhibitions, which often take an interdisciplinary approach — blending art, design, fashion, and science. In its new building, visitors can look forward not only to works from the foundation’s own collection but also to large-scale thematic exhibitions and collaborations with international artists.
The collection comprises around 2,000 works spanning photography, painting, video art, fashion, and design — featuring artists such as Hiroshi Sugimoto, Damien Hirst, and David Lynch. Much of it travels the world throughout the year, appearing in museums and galleries across the globe.
Each year, the foundation invites contemporary artists to present their work. These may be solo exhibitions or group shows built around a common theme. The Fondation Cartier doesn’t limit itself to big names — supporting young, emerging artists has long been part of its mission. Diversity has also been a guiding principle, long before it became a trend, and the foundation has showcased art from every corner of the world for decades. As early as the 1990s, Malian photographers Seydou Keïta and Malick Sidibé exhibited their work here. In 1998, Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake presented his sculptural garments and praised the “freedom of thought” that the foundation offers its artists.
Highlights of the Collection
- Design & Architecture:
The Fondation Cartier holds a unique collection of design objects that blur the boundaries between art and everyday life. - Photography & New Media:
From pioneers of early photography to cutting-edge digital installations, the evolution of visual media is made tangible here. - International Artists:
Names such as Sarah Sze, David Lynch, Takeshi Kitano, Patti Smith, Damien Hirst, and many others have featured in past exhibitions. What’s especially wonderful is that “international” here truly means global — embracing not only European and American artists, but also inspiring voices from Africa, Australia, and Asia.
Fondation Cartier
A bit of History
When you hear the name Cartier, your first thought is likely of luxurious jewellery — diamond rings or necklaces worth thousands, even hundreds of thousands of euros. But for art lovers, the name also holds a different meaning: the Fondation Cartier is synonymous with contemporary art. It was founded in 1984 by then Cartier president Alain Dominique Perrin, making it a pioneer among luxury brands establishing their own art foundations.
Others soon followed: Bernard Arnault, owner of Louis Vuitton, launched his foundation in 2014, followed by François Pinault (of Gucci and Saint Laurent fame), whose Pinault Collection has been housed in the former Bourse de Commerce since 2021. All share a passion for modern art, which they make accessible to the public through their respective museums.
The Cartier Foundation was originally established in Jouy-en-Josas, a small town about 15 kilometres outside Paris. Ten years later, its first museum building — designed by the architect Jean Nouvel — was completed in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. Nouvel, who also designed the Institut du Monde Arabe, the Torre Agbar in Barcelona, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris, created a striking structure of steel and glass surrounded by a small but exquisite garden, designed by the late German artist Lothar Baumgarten (1944–2018).
Now, once again, it is Jean Nouvel who has brought the foundation’s new home to life. With its move in 2025 to the Place du Palais-Royal, the Fondation Cartier has truly settled in the very heart of Paris.
Official website of the Cartier Foundation (EN): fondationcartier.com/en/
Text and image rights: © Céline Mülich, 2019–2025
With support from Anne Okolowitz (old and new).
Other
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Fondation Louis Vuittton
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Bourse de Commerce
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Centre Pompidou
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