59 Rue de Rivoli, an Artistic Gem in Paris
Saturday, May 06, 201759 Rue de Rivoli used to be an abandoned building in the heart of Paris until three artists broke in in 1999 and turned it into an artistic hub where artists could "create, live and expose". 18 years later, it's now a (legal) modern art "gallery", housing 30 artist studios as well as an abundance of art everywhere you look.
We made our way inside, got greeted by a lovely lady who explained the history to us, and then were advised to go all the way up to the top floor and slowly make our way down, stopping on each floor to take a peek into the artists' studios.
Which is exactly what we did...
"don't spend your life dreaming, live your dreams"
"I bring happiness"
Having a look into the artists' studios on the way down...
"push the door"
"Paris is a big shit" (bad translation hahaha)
The building actually became legalised when the press became interested in their artistic squat and pressure was put on the French state to not evict the artists (which they had been trying to do).
Not only is the building full of art, they also put on concerts in the gallery from 6pm every Saturday and Sunday which must be so fun to go to - it's definitely on the 'to do' list!
Useful Information
- Entry is absolutely 100% free, although you may want to leave a contribution to the artists, it's completely up to you!
- No bookings are needed
- It's open Tuesday to Sunday from 1pm until 8pm
- If you're taking public transport, the closest station is Châtelet which runs on metro lines 1, 7 & 4
- You can take pictures (obviously, as there are about a million in this blog post, but some artists don't want you to so either ask or look out for "pas de photo" signs).
It was honestly such a cool building to spend some time in, and a lot of the artists were very friendly - say "bonjour" to them as you walk into their studios though otherwise they may think that you're rude (it's a French cultural thing, and to be honest should be adopted by other countries too, it's always nice to say hello!) I hope that you like it as much as I did!
20 comments
It looks amazing! And free entry too is brilliant, I'd love to visit!xx
ReplyDeleteLucy x | lucy-cole.co.uk
You should if you're ever in Paris! x
DeleteThis is THE coolest thing! What an amazing story, I can't imagine anything like that happening in the UK, it seems very European and bohemian. I love the art of the hearts above the meerkat, it reminds me of Chagall for some reason (look at me pretending I know anything at all about art!) xxx
ReplyDeleteLucy @ La Lingua
It is very Chagall!! x
Deletewhat a cool place! hard to believe this graffiti is in Paris x
ReplyDeleteThe Fashion Matters- Travel & Fashion Blog
Hahahah I know, it's tucked away in quite a posh area too. There is loads of graffiti in Paris though, just not in the more central / touristy places x
DeleteWOW there's so much to see here! It's pretty cool that artists still work there and that people are allowed to look through it. -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's
ReplyDeleteI know, it's so cool! x
DeleteThis looks like such a neat little gem of a place! Paris has lots of those! 🤗
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!
XO, Emily
Epicurean Emily
Paris has so many! I never want to leave...! x
DeleteThis is so cool, I never saw any of these when I went in Paris. It just goes to show you can find art anywhere. Brilliant post, thanks for sharing xxx
ReplyDeleteALittleKiran | Bloglovin
You need to come back and see it! Thanks for reading x
DeleteThis place looks so cool and so creative. I love that this place is open to anyone! Thanks for sharing xx
ReplyDeleteDabin / http://dabindb.blogspot.kr/
Thank YOU for reading! x
DeleteI've stayed so many times on Rue Rivoli and never knew this place existed. Thanks for sharing - your photos are immense.
ReplyDeleteOh wow that's so sweet of you! Well, rue de Rivoli is very long ha! x
DeleteThis seems like an awesome find! I'll be in Paris in a couple of weeks for a good period of time, and I have one day to spend all to myself. Might have to check this place out during my free day!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ticketforadventure.com
You should! It only takes around an hour or so (or even less!) Enjoy Paris! x
DeleteWhat?! I honestly never knew this awesome gallery existed, and free? Amazing! I'm soo going there whenever it is that I get back to Paris, hopefully soon! Thanks for sharing about it! :)
ReplyDeletewww.chasingchristina.com
Yeah it's so cool! Hope you get to see it one day :)
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