The Salon d'Automne in Paris | When One Artwork is Enough to Stand Out
Every year, as October approaches, Paris revives a ritual that has been going on for 123 years. On the Place de la Concorde, a place steeped in history, two temporary pavilions are erected. Works are hung. People step back. From a pace away they check whether a light falls just right on a canvas. This is the Salon d'Automne, one of the most anticipated events in the art world. And this year, a new chapter is added to this story : Marie Stahl has been selected for the 2026 edition. An honor she can be proud of.
The Salon d'Automne, a Parisian institution since 1903
The Salon d'Automne was founded in 1903. It was championed by the architect Frantz Jourdain. Its primary goal was simple: to offer an exhibition space to young artists , both French and foreign, who struggled to find their place in the official art world.
The aim was also to introduce the general public to the movements that were challenging the conventions of the time. Two years later, in 1905, the event entered the annals of art history. Canvases by Matisse and his contemporaries were exhibited there. Their colors were so bold that one critic called them a " cage of wild beasts." The phrase stuck: it was there that Fauvism was born . Since then, the event has continuously accompanied the evolution of contemporary art.
The history of the Salon is full of other significant moments: in 1907, an entire room was dedicated to Paul Cézanne, who had died the previous year. This posthumous retrospective made him a major reference point for subsequent generations.
In 1911, it was the turn of the nascent Cubism to cause a scandal. The famous " room 41" then brought together Metzinger, Gleizes, Léger and Delaunay.
One constant emerges from these episodes: the Salon d'Automne has always been the place where boldnew artistic directions first meet their audience. More than 120 years after its creation, the event remains true to this mission.
The 2026 edition, the 123rd, takes place from October 28th to November 1st. The venue: Place de la Concorde, a stone's throw from the Grand Palais, in two temporary pavilions. This location firmly establishes the event within the French artistic landscape.
Over more than 4,000 m², nearly 1,000 works will be exhibited.
Fifty nationalities will be represented, with approximately 35,000 visitors expected.
This diversity is reflected in the very organization of the event.
This edition is structured into ten sections:
Paint,
Sculpture,
Printmaking,
Drawing,
Photography,
Environmental art,
Digital art,
Artists ' books ,
Unknown worlds,
Myths & Singularities.
Painting, in itself, is divided into nine categories: abstraction, naive art, figuration, free expression, imaginary works, heritage and innovation, Chromatics, Synthèse, and Variations. This allows the Salon to continue embracing very different practices, while maintaining a consistent focus: the rigorous standards of selection.
Being selected: what it means
Of the thousands of applications received each year, only a handful make it through this stage. Approximately 1,000 artists will have a piece exhibited at this 2026 edition. This number reflects the rigorous selection process: it singles out a specific work, chosen by an external observer who judges the artist based solely on that one piece.
For Marie Stahl, this selection is the culmination of a career patiently built, canvas by canvas. It is a recognition that goes beyond a simple exhibition: it is the recognition of work carried out over time, validated by a demanding jury.
Join us on October 28th to discover the chosen artwork.
Practical information for visiting the Salon
The 2026 Salon d'Automne is open from October 28th to November 1st. A preview reception will be held the day before, on October 27th. Access is via a single entrance on Rue de Rivoli, directly opposite the Hôtel de la Marine. It's an easy landmark to find for anyone familiar with Place de la Concorde. Opening hours are generous: from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM most days. A final entry is permitted half an hour before closing time. The only exception is Sunday: the Salon closes a little earlier, at 6:00 PM, with a final entry at 5:00 PM. For visitors coming to discover Marie Stahl's selected work, as well as for all art lovers passing through Paris at this time of year, the event lends itself equally well to a quick visit or a full day's exploration. The diversity of the exhibited works invites visitors to take their time.
In summary
The Salon d'Automne holds a special place among exhibitions. It's a Parisian institution, demanding high standards for over 120 years. Each artist only submits one work. The fact that Marie Stahl has been selected for the 2026 edition speaks volumes about what this event represents: a rare recognition, bestowed by a jury that knows artists only through their work. Join us from October 28th to November 1st at the Place de la Concorde to discover the selected piece.
FAQ
What are the dates for the salon d'automne 2026 ?
The 2026 edition, the 123rd, takes place from October 28 to November 1, 2026. The location: Place de la Concorde in Paris, in two temporary pavilions set up a stone's throw from the Grand Palais.
What are the must-see exhibitions in Paris ?
Among the season's unmissable events, the Salon d'Automne holds a special place. It is one of the rare fairs where a single work is chosen from thousands of submissions, with a selection process of exceptional rigor. Also worth following are the numerous permanent and temporary exhibitions at Parisian museums, which take place during the same period of the year.
What is the festival d'automne ?
Be careful not to confuse the two events. The Festival d'Automne in Paris is dedicated to the performing arts: theater, dance, and music. It was created in 1972. The Salon d'Automne, which is older, is an exhibition of visual arts: painting, sculpture, drawing, and printmaking. It was founded in 1903. They both take place during the same month, but not in the same discipline.
What art fairs take place in Paris in October ?
October is a particularly rich month in Paris for art lovers. The Salon d'Automne is one of the highlights, alongside other art fairs and exhibitions that enliven the capital at this time of year.
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