18th Lyon Contemporary Art Biennial: A large-scale artistic opening

The 18th Lyon Contemporary Art Biennale is preparing to welcome artists and professionals on September 17 and 18, 2026, before opening to the public on September 19. With 11 exhibition venues, this event promises to transform the city into a vast open-air museum until December 13, 2026.

Under the direction of Isabelle Bertolotti and curator Catherine Nichols, the Biennale raises questions about the movements of the economy and resources, drawing inspiration from the traboules of Lyon to explore the interconnections between dream and reality.

Key venues include Les Grandes Locos, macLYON and the Musée des Tissus, where 120 artists will examine production and transformation, while less conventional spaces will offer a new perspective on Lyon.