The first contemporary art fair outside of Paris, in Lille Grand Palais
Lille Art Up! is the first contemporary art fair in France outside of Paris. Created in 2008 by Lille Grand Palais, this fair brings together nearly a hundred French and international galleries each March on 18,000 m², presenting over 400 artists. For four days, Lille Art Up! welcomes around 30,000 visitors, professionals and informed amateurs, in a spirit of discovery and accessibility. Renamed Art Up! in 2013, the fair continues to contribute to the cultural influence of the Lille metropolis.
Lille Art Up! was born in 2008, initially under the name Lille Art Fair, from a co-production between Lille Grand Palais and StrasbourgEvénements. The first edition was launched by Olivier Billiard as artistic director and Dénia Ben El Habbes Bahadir as project director. In a few years, the fair established itself as the first contemporary art fair in France outside of Paris.
Each year in March, Lille Grand Palais transforms into a vast space dedicated to contemporary art. Across 18,000 m², nearly a hundred galleries, both French and international, present the works of over 400 artists. The fair covers all disciplines of contemporary art: painting, sculpture, photography, installation, digital art, street art, design, and multimedia works.
Since its creation, Lille Art Up! has continued to grow. The fourth edition in 2011 already welcomed over 80 gallerists across 12,000 m² and 15,000 visitors. Renamed Art Up! in 2013, the fair reached 28,000 visitors in 2014. Today, around 30,000 visitors flock to the event over its four days, making Lille Art Up! one of the major events in the art market in France.
One of the founding principles of Lille Art Up! is accessibility. The fair aims to be a place of discovery open to everyone, from seasoned collectors to the curious wishing to be introduced to contemporary art. Meetings with artists, guided tours, conferences, and partnerships with regional museums and art schools enrich the visitor experience.
Lille Art Up! brings together galleries from Lille, the Hauts-de-France region, and all of France, as well as international galleries. Partnerships with regional museums, Fine Arts schools, and art centers strengthen the fair's cultural roots in the territory.
The 18th edition of Lille Art Up! will take place from March 12 to 15, 2026, at Lille Grand Palais under the theme 'New Horizons'. 90 French and international galleries will present over 400 artists across 18,000 m², with a focus on artistic exploration, alternative aesthetics, and hybrid practices.
The 18th edition of Lille Art Up! will be held from March 12 to 15, 2026, at Lille Grand Palais under the theme New Horizons. This edition will focus on artistic exploration, alternative aesthetics, and hybrid practices.
90 galleries, both French and international, will present the works of over 400 artists across 18,000 m² of exhibition space. Painting, sculpture, photography, installation, digital art, street art, and design will be represented in this showcase of contemporary creation.
Lille Grand Palais
1 boulevard des Cités Unies
59777 Lille
18,000 m² of exhibition space spread across several halls.
Lille Grand Palais station (line 2), direct access to the venue. Exit 50 meters from the main entrance.
Lille Europe station is a 5-minute walk away (exit towards boulevard des Cités Unies). Lille Flandres station is a 15-minute walk or one metro stop away (line 2, direction Saint-Philibert).
Lille Grand Palais parking (700 underground spaces) accessible from boulevard des Cités Unies. GPS coordinates: 50.6358, 3.0751. Other nearby parking: Euralille, shopping center parking.
V'Lille station is in the immediate vicinity of Lille Grand Palais. Bicycle racks are available.
Thursday to Sunday, 4 days:
Thursday: 12 PM - 9 PM (Opening and late night)
Friday: 12 PM - 9 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM - 8 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM - 7 PM
Admission: approximately 15 euros (full price). Reduced rates for students, job seekers, and groups. 4-day pass available. Free for children under 12 years old. Online ticketing on the official website and on-site at Lille Grand Palais. Early bird discounted tickets available before opening.
Lille Grand Palais is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility. Elevators, access ramps, and adapted restrooms. Wheelchairs available upon request at the reception.
Lille Art Up!
Website: lilleartup.com
Lille Grand Palais: 03 20 14 15 16
Facebook: Lille Art Up!
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Lille Grand Palais
1 boulevard des Cités Unies, 59777 Lille