Located at 59 Rue de Rivoli, in Paris’s 1st arrondissement, 59 Rivoli is an iconic hub of alternative contemporary art. Originally occupied on November 1, 1999 by three artists – Kalex, Gaspard, and Bruno (known as the KGB collective) – this artistic squat quickly attracted up to 40,000 visitors annually during its early years, thanks to its raw energy and unique creative vision.

The former Crédit Lyonnais building, abandoned for fifteen years, was transformed into Chez Robert : électrons libres. After months of legal struggle, Bertrand Delanoë’s election as Paris mayor in 2001 paved the way for its legalization. Purchased by the city and renovated between 2006 and 2009, the space reopened as an “aftersquat,” preserving its alternative spirit within a legal framework .

Today, 59 Rivoli houses 30 artist studios across six stories. Half are permanent residents; the rest are rotating residencies lasting three to six months, selected twice a year via open calls. Each studio is freely decorated, reflecting the artist’s identity. Visitors are welcomed to wander through, witness art in progress, converse with creators, or purchase artwork or prints. The central spiral staircase, adorned with vibrant murals, is a dynamic artwork in itself and is regularly refreshed.

On the ground floor, a gallery hosts temporary collective exhibitions (about two weeks each), open to external artists. The space also hosts concerts (pop, jazz, classical…), theatrical performances, and dance during special events like nocturnes or Nuit Blanche, at least twice a year.

The atmosphere is convivial, free-spirited, and immersive: savvy art lovers blend with curious passersby, all drawn to the fresh, authentic energy of the project. The audience ranges from contemporary art enthusiasts to travelers seeking unique experiences, or simply people intrigued by the building’s colorful façade — a vibrant beacon among.

Anecdotally, the building once smelled of dead pigeons and contained used syringes during its initial occupation—a chaotic scene converted into a creative lab by its founding artists. Today, each new exhibition or mural renewal breathes fresh life into this living monument. Its international reach is evidenced by exhibitions at venues like the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, showcasing its significance beyond France.

Key practical info: free admission, open Tuesday to Sunday from 1 PM to 8 PM (closed Mondays), group visits accepted (max 8 per subgroup), open on public holidays. Access via Châtelet metro lines 1, 4, 7 or RER A, B, E.

In essence, 59 Rivoli is more than a venue: it’s an artistic manifesto challenging norms, promoting democratic access to art, where the creative process is a daily, durable spectacle.