Grand Festival - Palais de la Porte Dorée

The Grand Festival: Art Against Racism at the Palais de la Porte Dorée

Since its creation in 2017, the Grand Festival has established itself as one of the major cultural and civic events of the Parisian spring. Organized by the Palais de la Porte Dorée, which houses both the National Museum of the History of Immigration and the Tropical Aquarium, this free event takes over all the spaces of this listed Art Deco monument, an architectural gem in the 12th arrondissement of Paris.

A Committed and Multidisciplinary Festival

The Grand Festival takes place during the Week of Education and Actions against Racism and Antisemitism, supported by DILCRAH (Interministerial Delegation for the Fight against Racism, Antisemitism, and Anti-LGBT Hatred). Its program calls upon all artistic disciplines to question the mechanisms of discrimination and promote living together: film screenings, dance and theater performances, readings, musical performances, immersive virtual reality experiences, media education workshops, and thematic guided tours.

The invited artists — choreographers, actors, filmmakers, writers, musicians — present works that question identities, migratory journeys, the memory of slavery, and the struggles for equal rights. Each edition highlights unique voices and original creations, often in premieres or carte blanche formats.

An Exceptional Venue Dedicated to Diversity

The Palais de la Porte Dorée, built in 1931 for the International Colonial Exhibition, has been transformed into a venue dedicated to the history and cultures of immigration in France. Its monumental frescoes, Art Deco bas-reliefs, and central forum offer a unique setting for a festival that bridges architectural heritage and contemporary creation.

The program alternates between school sessions (Tuesday to Friday, reserved for groups) and public sessions (weekends), reaching younger generations as well as families and art lovers.