When PAD Paris came onto the scene in 1999, it was the first fair to combine art and design together under one roof. Now, amid an ever-growing crop of fairs of its kind, PAD Paris (short for Pavilion of Art and Design) remains the singular fan favorite of international collectors and design enthusiasts alike.
The fair returns for its 26th edition this week, once again highlighting the crème de la crème of historical and contemporary design. The fair is certainly large-scale in format: it spans five days (this year, from April 3 to 7) and brings in approximately 20,000 visitors, collectors, and professionals annually.
Courtesy of the artist and Aequo.
PAD Paris Presents 74 Galleries in the Tuilderies
Located in the lush, expansive Tuileries Gardens bordering the Seine, this year’s edition comprises 74 galleries bringing their best furniture, decorative art, and textiles to the table. David Zwirner is making its fair debut with a selection of furniture by Franz West (1947-2012), previously showcased at the Venice Biennale and the Dia Center for the Arts in New York.
“Atuxuá” (2024). Courtesy of the artist and PAD Paris.
Award-Winning Design at PAD Paris
The Mumbai-based collectible design gallery Galerie Aequō, which won an award at last year’s PAD Paris despite having only been established two years ago, is another must-see: this year, the gallery has collaborated with the Brazilian creative studio Estúdio Campana to create Atuxuá (2024), a striking, wild-looking cabinet that nods to Brazilian Indigenous artwork.
Another highlight is Maison Parisienne, a French gallery returning to the Tuileries with an installation of mirrors created by 15 different artists, each in their preferred medium.
Franz West, “Clubfauteuil (Club Chair),” 1998/2022. © Archiv Franz West, © Estate Franz West Courtesy Archiv Franz West, Estate Franz West, and David Zwirner
For this year’s edition, PAD Paris will select three award winners: the Stand Award, the Contemporary Design Award, and the Historic Design Award. The jury is composed of a staggering medley of renowned architects, interior designers, and fashion and media personalities, including Constance Guisset, Rabih Kayrouz, Hugo Toro, and chair Jacques Grange.
