Art Genève: The Winter Fair That Transforms Geneva into a Contemporary Art Playground
Hi everyone! Diana here from Livingeneva — and if you’re looking to dive into the very heart of the Geneva art scene, let me tell you about one of my favorite cultural events in Geneva: Art Genève. Every winter, this modern and contemporary art fair turns the city into a creative hub of energy, color, sound, and inspiration. Whether you’re a collector, a curious soul, or just looking for the best things to do in Geneva, this fair is a must.
What Is Art Genève?
Art Genève is the city’s premier international art fair, held every January at Palexpo, the huge exhibition hall just next to the airport (yes, it’s incredibly easy to reach!). In its 13th edition — from January 30 to February 2, 2025 — the fair brought together around 80 galleries from Switzerland and beyond, presenting everything from painting and sculpture to photography, video, and immersive installations.
It’s elegant but never intimidating. The vibe is refined, artistic, and very Geneva: cosmopolitan, yet intimate. You can find more information on the official website: artgeneve.ch.
Why It Feels So Special
One thing I truly love about Art Genève is its balance. It’s big enough to be exciting, but not so massive that it becomes overwhelming. The fair focuses on quality over quantity, and the layout encourages slow discovery, quiet reflection, and spontaneous conversation with gallerists, curators, and artists.
This year, under the direction of Charlotte Diwan, the fair emphasized consistency and curatorial strength. The result? A beautifully polished experience with meaningful artistic moments at every turn.
What to Explore
Sur-Mesure Section
This is Art Genève’s playground for large-scale, often site-specific installations. Curated by Nicolas Trembley, the section features bold, immersive works — textile tents, metallic sculptures, fringe art, and more. I spent almost an hour just wandering this part, taking it all in with a coffee in hand. It’s where the fair becomes more than just an exhibition — it becomes a full-body experience.
Sound & Music
This year, Art Genève also featured a dedicated space for sound art, with installations and live performances from artists like Charlemagne Palestine and Olaf Nicolai, in collaboration with Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. The unexpected combination of visual and audio elements made this one of the most unique zones of the entire fair.
Solo Exhibitions & Awards
Another highlight is the Prix Solo Art Genève – F.P. Journe, which celebrates the best solo presentation at the fair. The winning artwork is acquired and donated to a Geneva museum — a beautiful way to support the cultural ecosystem. There's also the Prix Mobilière, awarded to promising young Swiss talent. These initiatives make the fair feel truly connected to the city’s future, not just its present.
Talks, Books & Beyond
Beyond the art itself, the fair hosts panel discussions, guided tours, and a wonderful art book section organized by HEAD – Geneva’s art and design school. For those wanting to learn and explore deeper, this is where you’ll find your spark.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re thinking of going in 2026 (and I highly recommend it), here’s what you should know:
Where: Palexpo, Route François-Peyrot 30, Le Grand-Saconnex (easily accessible by train or bus from Gare Cornavin)
When: Usually end of January (check artgeneve.ch for future dates)
Tickets: CHF 20 for adults; discounts for students and children available; guided tours can be booked on site
Insider Tips from Me
Go on opening day or early in the day — it’s less crowded and you’ll get more time with the works (and the gallerists!).
Wear comfy shoes — trust me, you’ll want to walk slowly and see everything.
Don’t skip the talks or solo booths — those are often where the magic happens.
And finally, make a day of it: after the fair, head to the nearby Quartier des Bains to keep exploring Geneva’s local galleries and cafés.
Final Thoughts
Art Genève is more than an art fair. It’s a celebration of creativity, vision, and community. It brings together people from around the world — and from just around the corner — to connect through beauty, conversation, and bold ideas. Whether you’re just discovering the Geneva art scene or have lived here for years, the fair is one of those Geneva entertainment experiences you won’t forget.
Let me know if you’d like my curated list of galleries or favorite installations from this year’s edition — I’d love to share more!
See you at the next fair
— Diana
