Art Basel Paris Preview Draws Interest Despite Protests

It’s an art world golden ticket. The annual invitation to mix and mingle for hours in a magnificent venue with the planet’s wealthiest collectors at the Avant-Première preview of the Art Basel Paris fair.

But Tuesday’s ultra exclusive private viewing in the Belle Époque splendor of the Grand Palais was at risk of losing its appeal for international visitors. Protests, riots and looting have been gathering momentum across Paris and other French cities recently, prompting the authorities to impose curfews this week at some flash points.

The violence is the culmination of weeks of mostly peaceful anti-government protests across France, set off by students aggrieved by the conditions at their high schools. The numbers swelled as the protesters were joined by other disaffected groups upset about the rising cost of living and other grievances, as well as some bent on causing criminal damage.

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By Monday, the violence had largely abated, though the scent of burned out cars, shops and electric bikes still lingered faintly in the drizzly Paris air. Still, art students showed their solidarity by blocking the entrance to the Louvre museum, forcing it to shut down.

And on Tuesday, the Avant-Première preview went on as planned with a healthy turnout.

For days leading up to the event, international collectors were on their smartphones seeking reassurance that it was safe to travel to Paris. On Sunday, Art Basel reassured invitees that the Grand Palais was surrounded by anti-ram barriers and 24-hour security patrols.

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