The 18th Lyon Contemporary Art Biennale: “Passing from One Dream to Another”
The 18th Lyon Contemporary Art Biennale, a significant event in the French art scene, is scheduled to run from September 19 to December 13, 2026. The primary venue for this edition will be Les Grandes Locos in La Mulatière, Lyon. Under the artistic direction of Isabelle Bertolotti and guest curator Catherine Nichols, the Biennale explores the theme “Passing from One Dream to Another.” This theme encourages visitors to traverse multiple worlds, experiences, and perspectives, moving beyond merely monetary considerations to embrace relationships, attention, care, and imagination.
This edition aims to be more than just an exhibition, offering a journey between different realities and ways of perceiving and inhabiting the world. The visual identity, created by the Parisian agency Zoo designers graphiques, reflects this vision through a play of perspectives inspired by Lyon’s famous traboules, with arrows converging towards a common meeting point.
Key Dates and Location
- Exhibition Dates: September 19 to December 13, 2026
- Workshops for 12-25 year olds: June 27, 28, and 29, 2026 (prior to public opening)
- Press Days: September 16-18, 2026
- Professional Days: September 17-18, 2026
- Main Venue: Les Grandes Locos, La Mulatière, 69350 Lyon
Participatory Workshops with Artist Mikhail Karikis
The 18th Biennale actively invites young people aged 12-25 to become integral parts of an artwork through the collaborative project We Are Together Because…, led by artist Mikhail Karikis. This initiative seeks to co-create a polyphonic work combining photography, video, sound, and performance, which will be presented as a public installation during the Biennale.
The project delves into fundamental questions such as what unites us during crises and how collective creation can contribute to building a desired future. Participants are encouraged to express, vocalize, and interpret their ideas on what fosters unity rather than division. Workshops with Mikhail Karikis are scheduled for Saturday, June 27, Sunday, June 28, and Monday, June 29, 2026. These sessions offer a unique opportunity for young individuals to collaborate directly with an invited artist in one of France’s most anticipated contemporary art events.
Practical Information for Your Visit
To ensure a smooth visit to the Biennale, here are some practical details:
Group Visits
Group visits are available for schools, businesses, and associations. Prior arrangements must be made with the Biennale team. For more information, please visit the official website.
Birthday Packages
Les Grandes Locos offers special birthday packages for children aged 6 and above, providing an artistic setting for celebrations. Two options are available:
- Birthday Visit (ages 6+): Includes a 1-hour guided tour followed by 1 hour in the birthday room, with a dedicated space for snacks.
- Birthday Visit-Workshop (ages 6+): A 2.5-hour program featuring a visit and a workshop exclusively for children.
Contact Information
- Website: labiennaledelyon.com
- Address: Les Grandes Locos, La Mulatière, 69350 La Mulatière
We encourage all art enthusiasts, families, and young creatives to mark their calendars for this enriching cultural experience in Lyon.
Source: jds.fr
