Read on FashionNetwork.comGaleries Lafayette Unveils Ambitious 2026 Cultural Programme
Galeries Lafayette has announced its comprehensive 2026 cultural programme, centered around the innovative Bourse des regards initiative featuring three distinct support programmes for artists, fashion designers, and researchers. The department store group continues its two-decade commitment to artistic integration, expanding beyond traditional retail to establish itself as a significant player in Paris's cultural landscape. The programme includes film projects, exhibitions, and performance spaces throughout its iconic Haussmann flagship store.
Galeries Lafayette has unveiled an ambitious cultural programme for 2026 that transforms the traditional department store experience into a dynamic cultural destination. At the heart of this initiative is the Bourse des regards, a comprehensive framework comprising three distinct support programmes designed to nurture artistic talent, fashion innovation, and academic research. This strategic move represents the latest evolution in the group's 20-year commitment to integrating art and commerce.
The Bourse des regards Framework
The Bourse des regards serves as the cornerstone of Galeries Lafayette's cultural strategy, structured around three specialized support programmes. The By Night audiovisual programme focuses on film and video art, while Savoir Faire Savoir supports applied arts and craftsmanship. The third component, Open Archives, concentrates on publishing and research initiatives. This tripartite approach reflects the group's broader cultural commitments, which are organized around heritage preservation, artistic programming, and institutional patronage.
Expanding Artistic Integration
Since 2021, Galeries Lafayette has progressively expanded its artistic footprint beyond the dedicated 300-square-metre Galerie des Galeries space in its Paris flagship. The group now integrates art installations throughout the entire store, creating an immersive experience that blurs the boundaries between retail and cultural exhibition. This expansion represents a strategic shift toward establishing the department store as an integral part of Paris's vibrant art scene.
2026 Programme Highlights
The cultural calendar for 2026 features several key initiatives that demonstrate the group's commitment to artistic innovation. The programme launches on February 5 with the By Night 2026 call for projects, presented in partnership with the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival. From March 10 to April 27, the "Pour Toujours" project will transform the store into an exhibition space featuring works by international artists including Gloria Friedmann, Birgit Jürgenssen, Christodoulos Panayiotou, and Lawrence Weiner.
In June, the group will reintroduce its popular after-hours tours with By Night Live, offering visitors exclusive access to store spaces transformed through projections, light shows, and live performances. The year concludes with the third edition of Savoir Faire Savoir from September 3-17, which includes artist residencies and partnerships with Paris Design Week.
Strategic Cultural Vision
Under the leadership of Cécile Larrigaldie, Galeries Lafayette's cultural commitments represent a sophisticated approach to corporate patronage that extends beyond traditional sponsorship. The group's strategy positions its physical spaces as active participants in cultural production rather than passive venues for art display. This approach not only enhances the customer experience but also establishes Galeries Lafayette as a meaningful contributor to contemporary artistic discourse.
The 2026 programme marks a significant step in the group's long-term vision to expand into performing arts beyond 2026, signaling its intention to maintain and deepen its engagement with the cultural sector. By transforming retail spaces into platforms for artistic expression and innovation, Galeries Lafayette continues to redefine the role of department stores in urban cultural ecosystems.
