Lyon Biennale to Feature 118 Artists

The 18th edition of the Lyon Contemporary Art Biennale, themed 'To pass from one dream to another,' will take place from September 19 to December 13, 2026. The event will feature 118 artists, underscoring the biennale's commitment to showcasing a wide diversity of practices, generations, and artistic territories.

The exhibition introduces 45 new artists, emphasizing its global reach. Of the participants, 68% are women, 29% are French, and 23% are under 35 years old. The event will display 65 new creations and 12 new adaptations from 42 represented nationalities, including artists from Germany, Argentina, Canada, China, South Korea, Spain, the United States, France, and numerous other countries.

The Young International Creation program continues to serve as a vital platform for emerging talents. Eleven artists have been selected for this edition to create new works under professional conditions at the Institut d'art contemporain de Villeurbanne. The program is supported by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

The Lyon Biennale is expanding its venues to include the historic Cour des Loges Lyon, a hotel located in the city's old town. This new exhibition space, steeped in centuries of history, offers a unique backdrop to the event's theme, merging heritage, memory, and imagination with contemporary art.