FAB Paris 2024, short for Fine Arts Biennale, is taking centre stage this 22 to 27 November at the newly renovated Grand Palais in Paris. FAB Paris 2024 is a grandiose international art fair that emerged from the 2022 merger of two iconic events—La Biennale des Antiquaires, founded in 1956, and Fine Arts Paris—that aims to present a world-class array of antiques, fine arts, and jewellery to captivate art lovers and collectors. With more than 15 categories being showcased under the iconic glass dome of one of Paris’ most emblematic venues, the event will host more than 100 distinguished galleries from France and around the world, making the Grand Palais a bustling hub of artistic excellence in the heart of the city.
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“Our aim is not just to bring art to people, but also to create an experience that resonates deeply with each visitor,” says Louis de Bayser, president of FAB Paris and Salon du Dessin. FAB Paris debuted in 2023 and was held at the Grand Palais Ephemere. The event garnered unanimous praise, thanks to its impressive array of antique collections, all showcased in a vibrant atmosphere. The 2023 fair drew many influential guests—including the president of France, Emmanuel Macron, as well as the country’s minister of culture, Rima Abdul-Malak.
Now, with the Grand Palais fully reopened, FAB Paris 2024 is set to shine brighter than ever, welcoming art enthusiasts, collectors and more than 5,000 guests. This year, the Grand Palais will house treasures that span centuries, giving visitors a captivating gaze across the timeless stories of stunning masterpieces from all over the world. Visitors should check out the collection of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild—a magnificent palace built by Beatrice de Rothschild—featuring 50 rare pieces with royal provenance. The exhibition will be designed by Jacques Garcia, celebrating Beatrice de Rothchild’s opulent ‘gout Rothschild’ aesthetics, bringing historical grandeur to the fair for the first time.
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For collectors and art lovers, this year’s line-up of must-see pieces includes Potrait de Rouveyre, I’homme en noir 1504 by Albert Marquet, a delicate portrayal of the novelist Andre Rouveyre; an ancient Egyptian burial mask from Roman Egypt, dating back to 55-100 AD, exhibited by Galerie Cybele; and Matisse en Verde, a vibrant 2023 artwork blending tradition and contemporary flair.
FAB Paris 2024 will also celebrate the centennial of surrealism as exhibited by Paul Delvaux, Joan Miro, and other talents of the movement. Meanwhile, there will be a showcase of contemporary Japanese art at the Kanata gallery, presenting minimalist works by master sculptor Kan Yasada. Besides that, other key artists’ masterpieces on display range from Old Master paintings to modern art and sculpture—these will be exhibited by renowned New York dealer Adam Williams, Flemish painting expert Franck Anelli, and other globally renowned galleries. In addition, the fair will have a young artist section showcasing emerging young artist talents with works valued at less than €25,000.
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“It’s our responsibility to keep the appreciation of Old Masters drawings alive—to find and promote these drawings and keep the market vibrant,” de Bayser said, emphasising that despite the growth of contemporary arts, the classic charm of the classics endures and still holds its own spot in the market.
The Fine Arts Biennale 2024 is a celebration of artistic heritage and cultural appreciation. de Bayser sees the role of the fair as the bridging of the past and present. Beyond the mesmerising collections displayed at the event, the exhibition also offers a setting where not only time, but people converge as well. Visitors will be able to engage the heart of art history in an iconic Parisian venue, meeting distinguished gallery owners, and perhaps even taking a piece of history back home.
