Art Galleries in Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Our Sculpture Itinerary
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is not just a neighborhood; it's a soul. The soul of the artists, writers, and thinkers who have shaped its history. Even today, its cobblestone streets are home to the largest number of art galleries in Paris, making this corner of the Left Bank an open-air museum. For lovers of form and material, we have designed an exclusive sculpture itinerary, an artistic walk to discover treasures of bronze, marble, and metal.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the beating heart of art in Paris
Since the post-war era, Saint-Germain-des-Prés has been the rallying point for artistic avant-gardes. From the Surrealists to the Existentialists, they all gathered in its cafés and cellars. This intellectual and creative heritage still infuses the gallery district, particularly in the Carré Rive Gauche, where antique dealers and modern and contemporary art galleries are concentrated. To walk down Rue de Seine, Rue des Beaux-Arts, or Rue Bonaparte is to engage in a dialogue with art history.
Your starting point: Hôtel Le Monna Lisa, an artist's studio
Before beginning your journey, soak in the unique atmosphere of the Hôtel Le Monna Lisa by Inwood Hotels. More than just a place to stay, this hotel is an immersion into the sculptor's way of life. Designed like an artist's studio, every detail, from the texture of the walls to the nobility of the materials, evokes the work of the hand and the quest for the perfect form. Its intimate and refined ambiance puts you in the ideal frame of mind for a day dedicated to the appreciation of sculpture.
Our 3-step essential sculpture itinerary
This sculpture tour in Paris is a suggestion, an invitation to wander from one window to the next. Each gallery has its own universe, its own specialty.
1. Galerie Malaquais: The Masters of the 20th Century
Begin your tour at Galerie Malaquais. Renowned for its expertise in 20th-century art, this gallery regularly features major sculptures alongside paintings by great masters. Here you can admire works by artists like Antoine Bourdelle, Rodin's pupil, as well as rare pieces by sculptors who defined their era. It is the perfect place to understand the deep connections between painting and sculpture at the dawn of modernity.
2. Galerie Vallois: The Showcase for Modern and Contemporary Sculpture
Continue your walk towards Galerie Vallois, located on Rue de Seine. Historically dedicated to sculpture before opening up to other disciplines, this gallery remains an absolute benchmark for enthusiasts of the genre. It exhibits works by major artists of the 20th century and the contemporary scene. By visiting its spaces, you will discover an exciting dialogue between different generations of sculptors, offering a fascinating overview of the evolution of forms and materials. It is an essential stop to grasp the richness of modern sculpture on the Left Bank.
3. Galerie Dutko: The Dialogue between Decorative Arts and Sculpture
For a final fascinating stop, cross the Seine and head to Galerie Dutko on Île Saint-Louis, just a few minutes' walk away. Jean-Jacques Dutko is a master in the art of creating a dialogue between disciplines. In his spaces, 20th-century and contemporary sculpture sit alongside rare Art Deco pieces. This juxtaposition creates a unique resonance, where a designer chest of drawers converses with an abstract bronze. It's a vision of art where boundaries blur, very representative of the collector's spirit.
Beyond the galleries: Sculpture in the streets of Saint-Germain
Your artistic journey doesn't end at the gallery doors. Look up! Sculpture is everywhere in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Admire the bestiary of the Hôtel de la Monnaie, the statues of Place Saint-Sulpice, or the contemporary works that sometimes appear around a square. Every corner of the neighborhood can reveal a surprise.