Salon du dessin 2026 — A Celebration of Mastery and Imagination at the Palais Brongniart

Koöko Fleurs
20 minutes ago
3 min read

From 25 to 30 March, the historic Palais Brongniart will once again become the beating heart of the international drawing world as it hosts the Salon du dessin, one of Paris’s most refined and anticipated art events. For six days, collectors, curators, artists, and art lovers gather to explore centuries of graphic creation—from Renaissance studies to contemporary works—within an atmosphere that is both scholarly and delightfully intimate.

A Sanctuary for Drawing in All Its Forms

The Salon du dessin is renowned for its exceptional curatorial standards. Each year, it brings together around forty prestigious galleries from France and abroad, offering visitors a rare opportunity to encounter museum-quality works in a setting designed for close, attentive viewing.

Visitors can expect:

- Master drawings from the 16th to the 21st century, including studies, portraits, landscapes, and architectural renderings.

- Rare works on paper by major European artists, often shown publicly for the first time.

- A strong contemporary presence, with galleries highlighting living artists who push the boundaries of drawing as a medium.

- Conversations with experts, allowing enthusiasts to deepen their understanding of techniques, provenance, and conservation.

The Salon’s atmosphere is unique: elegant, calm, and deeply focused on the pleasure of looking. It is a place where connoisseurs and newcomers alike can slow down, observe, and let the intimacy of drawing reveal itself.

Highlights of the 2026 Edition

1. Thematic Exhibitions

Each edition features a curated exhibition exploring a specific theme or collection. These exhibitions often draw from major institutions and private collections, offering a scholarly yet accessible perspective on the history of drawing.

2. The International Symposium

Organized in partnership with leading museums and academic institutions, the symposium brings together art historians and curators for a series of talks. Topics typically range from the rediscovery of forgotten artists to new research on techniques and materials.

3. The Drawing Week (Semaine du dessin)

Throughout Paris, museums and cultural institutions join the celebration by offering special visits, private viewings, and guided tours focused on their graphic arts collections. It’s a wonderful way to extend the experience beyond the fair itself.

4. Contemporary Focus

Several galleries present cutting-edge works on paper, highlighting how drawing continues to evolve—through experimental materials, hybrid practices, and conceptual approaches.

Activities for Children and Families

The Salon du dessin is not only for seasoned collectors; it also welcomes younger visitors with thoughtful, creative programming.

Children’s Workshops

Special workshops are typically offered during the weekend, inviting children to:

- Discover drawing techniques through hands-on activities

- Explore themes such as portraiture, nature studies, or storytelling through lines

- Create their own artwork to take home

These workshops are designed to be both educational and playful, encouraging children to observe closely and express themselves freely.

Family-Friendly Guided Tours

Some editions include guided tours tailored for families, helping children engage with the artworks through simple explanations, visual games, and interactive moments.

A Gentle Introduction to Art

The intimate scale of the fair makes it particularly suitable for children: the rooms are calm, the works are accessible, and the atmosphere encourages curiosity rather than overwhelm.

A Cultural Rendez-vous Not to Miss

Whether you are a collector, an art student, a museum professional, or simply someone who loves the quiet poetry of a line on paper, the Salon du dessin offers a rare and enriching experience. Held in the neoclassical beauty of the Palais Brongniart, it is a celebration of artistic heritage, contemporary creativity, and the enduring power of drawing to reveal the world—and ourselves—with clarity and grace.