Fluctuart is the world’s first floating urban art center which has just opened by Pont des Invalides in Paris’ 7th arrondissement. Fluctuart first began as a proposal for the wider project, Reinventer la Seine (Reinventing the Seine), which aims to animate and enliven sites along the banks of the Seine between Paris, Rouen, and Le Havre.
The transparent floating art center is 1000m2 over three levels, and was created by Seine Design. This innovative space showcases urban art from pioneers and established artists to young and emerging talents, both French and international. On the artistic committee sit renowned urban artists C215 and CLET, Paris gallery director and art curator Magda Danysz, and founder of the Musée en Herbe, Sylvie Girardet, amongst others.
The main deck features the center’s permanent collection, including works by JR, Invader, Shepard Fairey, Keith Haring, Banksy, and more. The main deck also features Paris bookstore Le Grand Jeu, including books and magazines on urban art as well as t-shirts, tote bags, postcards, and other products.
The hold hosts the center’s first temporary exhibition, Time Capsule by the artist Swoon. The exhibition consists of works from Swoon’s first retrospective, The Canyon: 1999-2017, which took place in 2017 at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati. Alongside the exhibition are light projections by Swoon presented every night. The exhibition will be on display until the end of September and will then travel to MUCA in Munich, partner of the exhibition, in October 2019.
Fluctuart is all about accessibility. It’s free and open to everyone all year long. There are free guided tours of the exhibitions in partnership with ICART (Ecole de Médiation Culturelle et Marché de l’Art). And there is also an artistic program of cultural events and creative workshops, such as children’s workshops with Swoon, in partnership with Musée en Herbe.
The main and upper decks both have a bar, with the drinks menu aptly pasted on spray cans and the food menu on skateboards. The upper deck functions as a rooftop terrasse, and is the perfect spot to bask in the sun this summer. There are DJ sets at night and you can brunch on Sundays.
Fluctuart – Pont des Invalides, 2 port du Gros Caillou, 75007. Open daily 12pm-12am.
Related Links
- If you’re into street art, read our guide for the urban explorer.
- Check out digital art gallery, Atelier des Lumières.
- You can find contemporary art at Lafayette Anticipations.
Written and photographed by Ali Postma for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Haven In for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long-term or buy in France or Italy? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates.
