59 Rivoli

The basics

Anyone interested in learning more about Paris’ contemporary art scene will love visiting 59 Rivoli. The 6-story, mid-19th-century building contains 30 artist studios, 15 of which belong to permanent art residents and the other 15 to visiting artists. As well as the art and murals inside, the building is attractive from the outside and features colorful decorations and installations, which often change.

Visitors typically visit independently, so they can spend as much time there as they like. Art-focused tours of Paris may also include 59 Rivoli on their itineraries, or some walking tours pass by the building, and are a good way to learn more about the space.

Things to know before you go

• Entrance is free of charge, including the weekend-night concerts. However, donations are welcome.

• Art can be purchased directly from the artists, although not all artists are on-site at all times.

• This is a very popular place and can get busy. Some patience is required, like other popular Paris galleries.

How to get there

59 Rivoli is conveniently located in a busy shopping area in central Paris, just east of the Louvre and across the River Seine from Sainte-Chapelle. It’s less than a 10-minute walk from the Louvre. It’s also very near to the Châtelet metro station, on lines 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14.

When to get there

59 Rivoli is open to the public Tuesday-Sunday, from early afternoon until evening. Exhibitions rotate frequently—each lasts between two and four weeks—so you’re unlikely to get bored, even if you visit multiple times. Free early evenings concerts are also typically held at weekends between September and June.

Explore Paris’ street art scene

As 59 Rivoli demonstrates, contemporary art of all varieties is popular in Paris. Street art abounds in many places, but the 13th Arrondissement (southeast of the Île de la Cité) in particular is known as an open-air museum for its variety of street art. The large-scale murals adorning the whole sides of buildings are especially impressive.

Ways to explore

Anyone interested in learning more about Paris’ contemporary art scene will enjoy visiting 59 Rivoli. The 6-story, mid-19th-century building houses 30 artist studios, 15 of which are occupied by permanent art residents and the other 15 by visiting artists. In addition to the art and murals inside, the building’s exterior features colorful decorations and installations that often change.

You can visit 59 Rivoli independently and explore at your leisure. Art-focused tours of Paris may also include the complex on their itineraries, offering a great way to learn more about the city’s culture.

Accessibility

The building is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility: there is an elevator connecting floors, an accessible entrance, and staff members are available for additional assistance. If you have specific access requirements, it’s best to call ahead for guidance and to ensure accommodations can be made.

Age limits

None, although parental discretion is advised, as certain artists may exhibit adult content.

What to pack

A card or cash, as you can buy art on-site.

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes

Not allowed

Some artists may prohibit photography, pets

Amenities

Galleries, Wi-Fi, performance space

Address

59 Rivoli is just a couple of blocks from Pont Neuf, and a few blocks further is the Louvre. If you’re already in the area, head over on foot, hop on the metro, or stop by on a tour.

Driving

Rue de Rivoli is now largely pedestrian-only. While you could technically drive through the chaos of central Paris and park nearby, you’re much better off taking a tour or public transit.

Public transportation

Take metro lines 1, 4, 7, 11, or 14 to Châtelet, or line 7 to Pont Neuf—both stations are less than a 5-minute walk away. Alternatively, bus routes 21, 58, 67, 69, 70, 72, 74, 75, and 85 all stop locally.

Best times to visit

Late afternoons attract fewer crowds, and you should still have ample time to explore all six floors before closing—it’s typically open until 8pm.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to be less crowded, offering a more intimate experience with the artists. Concerts and events are often hosted on weekends. Note that it is closed on Mondays.

Best months to visit

There’s no bad time to visit Paris; November through March, excluding holidays, tends to see fewer tourists.

Special events

Free concerts on Saturdays and Sundays. Plus, exhibits rotate roughly every two weeks, so there’s always something new to catch.