Biennale d'Autun

The Biennale d'Autun: The Sacred Tested by Contemporary Art

Founded in 2017, the Biennale d'Autun is an international festival of contemporary sacred art that, every two years, questions the spiritual dimension of artistic creation. The event brings together artists from around the world—believers and non-believers alike—who are challenged by the question of the sacred with a constant concern for openness to dialogue between cultures, religions, rites, and traditions.

Eleven Classified Heritage Sites

The strength of the Biennale d'Autun lies in its unique dialogue between contemporary art and heritage. The works are exhibited in eleven emblematic sites of the Eduan city, all classified or listed as historical monuments: the Chapelle Notre-Dame et des Sept Dormants (headquarters of the Biennale), the Saint-Lazare Cathedral and its chapter house, the Cathedral Treasury, the Episcopal Palace, the Natural History Museum, the Cave du Chapitre, the Lapidary Museum, and several historic chapels and gardens.

Over 150 Works by 60 International Artists

Each edition presents over 150 works by about sixty artists from a dozen countries, across all contemporary art mediums: painting, sculpture, video, photography, comics, mosaic, installation. Highlights of dance, readings, performances, film, concerts, and conferences punctuate the duration of the exhibition.

Internationally Renowned Artists

The Biennale d'Autun has hosted leading artists on the international scene: Bill Viola, the undisputed master of video art, Sarkis, a major figure in contemporary art, Omar Ba, Jérôme Zonder, Pascal Convert, Barbara Cassin, philosopher and academician, Michael Bastow, and Eden Morfaux. This exceptional programming makes the Biennale an event of international scope rooted in the heart of Burgundy.

A Project Driven by Associative Commitment

The Biennale is founded and driven by the Association des amis de la Chapelle Notre-Dame et des Sept Dormants, which works for intercultural and intercommunal exchanges. Supported by the City of Autun, regional cultural authorities, and numerous institutional partners, the Biennale embodies a generous vision of art as a vector for dialogue and encounter.