Lyon, France – The 18th edition of the Lyon Contemporary Art Biennale is set to be a landmark event, running from September 19 to December 13, 2026. This year’s biennale will feature an expanded program with 46 newly invited artists, bringing the total number of participants to 119, representing 42 nationalities. A significant addition to the official exhibition circuit is the Cour des Loges Lyon, nestled in the heart of Old Lyon, marking the 11th venue for the prestigious event. Early bird tickets are available at a reduced price until July 15, 2026.
119 Artists and 11 Venues: The 2026 Lyon Biennale Promises an Unmissable Event
The Lyon Contemporary Art Biennale continues to solidify its reputation with this 18th edition, welcoming a diverse array of 46 new artists who join an already rich program. In total, 119 creators from 42 nationalities will participate, highlighting a strong commitment to diversity in practices, generations, and geographical origins. Notably, 68% of the artists are women, 23% are under 35 years old, and 29% are French.
The program will feature 65 original creations and 12 new adaptations, presented across various locations throughout Lyon. This edition, themed “Passing from one dream to another,” aims to explore collective imaginations through a wide range of artistic forms. For decades, the Biennale has stood as one of the Rhône region’s flagship events on the international art scene.
A key highlight of the program is the International Young Creation initiative, which has supported emerging artists for over twenty years. This year, 11 selected artists from this program will present new works at the Institut d’art contemporain / Frac Rhône-Alpes. This springboard, primarily supported by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, is a crucial component of the Biennale, aiming to discover the talents of tomorrow.
Cour des Loges and Artist Mikhail Karikis Enhance the Exhibition Experience
A major new addition to this edition is the Cour des Loges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel, located in the 5th arrondissement in the heart of Old Lyon. This historical building, boasting seven centuries of history, a majestic Florentine courtyard, and suspended walkways, will host two artworks as part of the event. Its Renaissance architecture naturally complements the Biennale’s theme.
Artist Mikhail Karikis, born in Greece and based in Lisbon, conducted a collaborative workshop with young Lyonnais aged 10 to 25 in preparation for the Biennale. Together, they developed the work We Are Together Because…, focusing on notions of collectivity, solidarity, and group strength. Sound, voice, and collective action are central to his artistic practice, which explores forms of resistance and alternative social imaginaries.
The outcome of this collaborative effort will be visible both in the city of Lyon and at the Musée des Tissus et des Arts décoratifs throughout the Biennale. This type of participatory approach, directly involving residents in the creation of an artwork, exemplifies the Biennale’s ambition to forge connections between contemporary art and the territories it inhabits. Visitors will thus discover a work deeply rooted in the Lyonnaise reality.
Tickets and Pre-sales for the Lyon Biennale 2026
Pre-sale tickets are available until July 15, 2026, offering an exceptional rate on the Pass, valid for all 11 venues from September 19 to December 13, 2026. This undated pass grants one entry to each of the paid exhibition locations.
- Pre-sale Pass: €20 (instead of €25)
Several venues offer free access, including the Traboules of the Croix-Rousse slopes, the Jardin du musée des Beaux-Arts, the Fondation Bullukian, the LPA Saint-Antoine Parking, and the Part-Dieu Train Station Metro B. The latter is itself an exhibition space.
Preparing for Your Visit to the Lyon Biennale
The Lyon Biennale spans 11 locations across different districts of Lyon, with several accessible without a ticket. For groups, whether school groups, businesses, or associations, it is advisable to organize your visit in advance to make the most of the itinerary. The venues are well-served by public transport, including the Part-Dieu Train Station Metro B, which is also part of the exhibition spaces.
Source: jds.fr
