If you’re looking for a truly unique and authentic Paris experience, make sure to stop by the contemporary art space 59 Rivoli. Located in the 1st arrondissement on the same street as the Louvre Museum (Rue de Rivoli). You can visit it for free.
Inside 59 Rivoli, you’ll discover young and talented artists from France and around the world, creating and showcasing their work right in front of you. The atmosphere is vibrant and ever-changing, with paintings, sculptures, and experimental pieces filling every corner. Many of the artworks are also available for purchase, so you can take home a one-of-a-kind piece of Parisian creativity.
The building itself feels like a living piece of art. Its striking façade is covered in colorful installations, and the bright yellow front door makes it impossible to miss. Step inside and you’ll find six floors of murals, studios, and art-filled hallways. Every inch of the place is painted, decorated, and alive with inspiration. It’s a bit unconventional, but in the best possible way — very Parisian, slightly bohemian, and endlessly inspiring.
You can often meet the artists in their studios and watch them at work. It’s a fascinating experience for adults and also great fun for kids aged ten and up. A little chaotic, full of color and creativity. That’s exactly what makes 59 Rivoli so special.
Keep reading to discover more about this one-of-a-kind art hub in the heart of Paris.
The History of 59 Rivoli in Paris
Before diving into what to expect, let’s look at its fascinating history. 59 Rivoli was founded in 1999 by three artists — Kalex, Gaspard, and Bruno. The building had been abandoned for 15 years after being vacated by a French bank. The trio, nicknamed “The KGB,” thought it was a shame to leave the space empty, so they decided to occupy it illegally.
Once they broke open the cemented entrance, more artists joined in to help clean up the place and turn it into studios. The city initially tried to evict them, but after gaining public support through the media — and with the newly elected mayor, Bertrand Delanoë, on their side — the artists were eventually allowed to stay legally. Since then, 59 Rivoli has been a vibrant, legal art collective and exhibition space open to the public.
What to Expect at 59 Rivoli
As soon as you step inside, you’ll be greeted by large murals and graffiti art covering the stairwell. Each studio has its own distinct personality. Some artists play loud rock music while others prefer classical tunes. You’ll find painters, sculptors, illustrators, and multimedia artists all working under one roof. Every floor feels completely different and that’s part of the adventure.
There are 30 studios in total. Fifteen are permanent spaces for resident artists, while the other fifteen rotate regularly, ensuring there’s always something new to see.
The Neighborhood
59 Rivoli is located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, one of the most central and historic areas of the city. The building stands on Rue de Rivoli, one of Paris’s best-known shopping streets. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the Louvre and the Musée de l’Orangerie. You’ll find plenty of cafés, boutiques, and major stores nearby. Even from a distance, the colorful façade of 59 Rivoli stands out beautifully among the classic Parisian architecture.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach 59 Rivoli is by taking the Paris Metro. The closest stations are Châtelet – Les Halles (served by lines 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14), Pont Neuf, and Hôtel de Ville. From any of these stops, it’s only about a five-minute walk.
The building is a traditional Parisian structure without an elevator, so be prepared for stairs. Admission is free, though small donations are appreciated and can be left in the collection box at the entrance.
Note: 59 Rivoli is closed on Mondays.
