Art Basel Paris 2024 Reopens Grand Palais with High Commercial Focus

Art Basel Paris 2024 marked the reopening of the Grand Palais, now restored, after years of being held at the Grand Palais Éphémère. The fair, previously known as Paris+ under Art Basel management, is the first in Europe to use the Art Basel brand outside Switzerland. The restoration impressed visitors with improved airflow, accessibility, and a new balcony circuit for the Emergence section. However, the fair was notably commercial, with galleries presenting top-tier works to attract major collectors amid a challenging market. French galleries made up a third of exhibitors due to an agreement, and many shared stands to cut costs. The atmosphere was more reserved than Frieze London, with dealers focusing on sales over elaborate presentations. Notable stands included Liliana Moro's installation at Galleria Rodeo's desk, a shared stand by Candice Madey and Hannah Hoffman featuring Darrel Ellis, and presentations by Takako Yamaguchi (at a New York gallery), Shao Fan (Vitamin), Martin Boyce (The Modern Institute), Asuka Anastacia Ogawa (Blum), and Tschabalala Self (at a major European gallery). The fair raised questions about the future relevance of Art Basel in Basel itself.