Lyon, France – The 18th edition of the Lyon Contemporary Art Biennale is set to enchant art enthusiasts from September 19 to December 13, 2026. Under the curatorial vision of Catherine Nichols and the artistic direction of Isabelle Bertolotti, this year’s event, titled “Passing from one dream to another,” promises a poetic exploration of economy, transforming the city into a sprawling canvas for contemporary art.
A Poetic Economy: Bridging Art and Life
For over three decades, the Lyon Contemporary Art Biennale has been a cultural highlight in the Rhône region. This 18th edition draws inspiration from Lyon’s rich history as a trading hub, a strategic stop on the Silk Road, and a fluvial crossroads. Catherine Nichols’ curatorial approach delves into the concept of economy, not in its conventional financial sense, but through the lens of French artist Robert Filliou’s “poetic economy,” where art and life intertwine. This perspective examines the impact of human exchanges and relationships on local and global ecosystems, offering a fresh and stimulating discourse within contemporary art.
The iconic ‘traboules’ – the covered passageways of Lyon’s Croix-Rousse district, once used by silk workers – serve as a central metaphor for this edition. They symbolize the journey, transition, and circulation of ideas, inviting visitors to follow a narrative and “pass from one dream to another.”
Exceptional Venues and International Artists
The Biennale will unfold across a collection of remarkable sites throughout Lyon, offering a diverse and immersive experience. A significant highlight is the grand reopening of the Musée des Tissus et des Arts décoratifs, which has been closed for renovations. This provides a unique opportunity for the public to access its unparalleled collection of textile creations dating back to the 19th century.
Other prominent exhibition locations underscore the event’s scale:
- Les Grandes Locos: Industrial buildings inaugurated in 1846, formerly a technical center for SNCF, now repurposed as an exhibition space.
- macLYON: The contemporary art museum designed by Renzo Piano, preserving the atrium façade of Charles Meysson’s Palais de la Foire (1920).
- Traboules of the Croix-Rousse slopes: These historic passages offer a unique backdrop for artistic interventions.
- Jardin du musée des Beaux-Arts: The garden of the Fine Arts Museum will host installations.
- IAC – Institut d’art contemporain / Frac Rhône-Alpes: A key institution for contemporary art.
- Musée des Confluences: The science and anthropology museum will be part of the artistic journey.
- Fondation Bullukian: A foundation dedicated to supporting contemporary art.
- Parking LPA Saint-Antoine: An unexpected venue for artistic expression.
- Station métro B – Gare Part-Dieu: Bringing art directly into the urban fabric.
More than sixty international artists will participate in this edition, including notable names such as Laure Prouvost, Pol Taburet, Angelica Mesiti, Susan Philipsz, Mikhail Karikis, and Nicholas Mangan. This diverse roster, subject to change, showcases a wide array of artistic practices, including installation, performance, sculpture, video, and radio. Visitors will have nearly three months to explore this rich program, navigating between dreams and reality at their own pace.
The Biennale promises to be an unmissable cultural event, solidifying Lyon’s position as a vibrant center for contemporary art and offering a profound reflection on our world through a poetic and engaged artistic lens.
