Gathered together under the prestigious dome of the Grand Palais from the Sept. 15-22, 80 international art dealers and seven great jewelers will present to the public their most beautiful masterpieces.

Created in 1956 by the Syndicat National des Antiquaires (SNA), the Biennale truly made its debut in 1962, the year of the first International Biennale des Antiquaires. Today, presided over by Hervé Aaron, it gathers the most internationally renowned art dealers, all members of the SNA.

During this major event in the art marketplace calendar, collectors from around the world will discover more than 40,000 square feet of stands with exceptional works of art spanning from archaeology to modern paintings.

When the doors of the Grand Palais open in Paris for the 25th edition of the Biennale des Antiquaires, six prominent New York galleries will be among the 87 international exhibitors, offering a wide array of treasures from antiquity to the 20th century. 

First-time New York participants include: Jason Jacques (19th and early 20th century European pottery), J J Lally & Co. (antique Chinese works of art), L & M Arts (post-war and contemporary art), and the Marlborough Gallery (post-war and contemporary art). Returning to the fair are: Adam Williams Fine Art Ltd. (15th to mid-19th century European Old Master paintings) and Ariadne Galleries (antiquities).

Aside from the actual art, the dome has been designed for the event to be a pleasurable experience in and of itself. Created by the Agence Decoral, the scenography for the 2010 Biennale, conceived as a discrete and elegant showcase, is intended to highlight the works of art. 

A dark and covered entrance animated by 25 alcoves full of roses will guide the visitor towards a large square at the center of which a basin will reflect the dome of the Grand Palais, according to the event organizers. On each side of this central point, a unique and large alley punctuated by 8 squares will lead to the stands. Spacious entrances framed by arches and openings on all sides: all will be made to arouse the visitors’ curiosity. The dark decor, in light and charcoal grey, will be punctuated by basins with stones and flowers and places for the visitor to rest. Structures in vivid colors and slender bamboos will lend to the whole fair a particularly warm and serene atmosphere. In the evening rays of light and the illumination of the basins, vegetation and the stand’s porticoes will highlight the displays.

Arts represented

• Archeology and tribal arts
• Silver, objects of vertu and jewelry
• Asian arts
• Furniture and works of art from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries
• 20th century decorative arts
• Sculpture
• Old Master paintings and drawings
• Modern paintings and drawings
• Books and manuscripts
• Various Antique Treasures