Nuit Blanche October 3rd 2015

Nuit Blanche, the annual night of art installations, performances, and events in Paris is not to be missed! Organized by the Marie de Paris, it’s a night of culture and exploration that unites artists from around the world. Many of the installations (often featuring light and sound) allow visitors to discover parts of Paris that are typically inaccessible, such as abandoned train stations and construction sites. For curious, creative adventurers like us, this night is a dream come true!

Here I’ve chosen to highlight a few areas and installations that I’m particularly excited about this year, and share my tips for a successful Nuit Blanche based on two years of experience. It can appear a bit overwhelming, so I recommend focusing on one or two areas. Follow my advice or create your own path, but this night is not to be missed!

Most of the installations are on the Right Bank this year. We plan to focus on the PARCOURS NORD-EST

Any time an artist takes over a train station, I’m interested. Unsure what to expect, this should be an exciting place to start.

Just say the words run-down fire station and I’m there.

“marriage of architecture, sound and math” is an inviting description of this outdoor installation.

Anish Kapoor (the artist who recently made headlines for this controversial sculpture at Versailles) + the Centquatre (one of Paris’ most renowned cultural institutions) = must see.

And finally, this installation that invites visitors to watch and listen to the stars in real time seems like it will be a highlight of the night.

Tips for a successful Nuit Blanche:

+ Make some sort of plan. Even if you don’t plan the night down to the minute, having some idea of where you want to go and what you want to see is recommended.

+ Pick a meeting spot and time to start at with your friends. You don’t want to spend all night running around trying to find someone when you should be focused on the art.

+ Don’t be afraid to wander off the path! Part of the fun is exploring new neighborhoods and stumbling upon interesting things.

+ Bring a camera. Since most of the installations are temporary it makes sense to document your favorites.

+ Wear comfortable shoes! You will probably be spending most of the night walking, so this is not the time to try out those new high heeled booties.

+ Have fun! People are always in a festive mood and it’s nice to see the city come to life in a new way.

Some pictures from Nuit Blanche 2014:

Many of the installations are open all night until 7am and some metro lines run all night too.

For more information: the official Nuit Blanche site

There are many many more installations, performances and exhibitions taking place all of Paris as part of Nuit Blanche. Here I’ve featured just a small selection to get you started. To view the whole map and get more details about each installation: Carte Nuit Blanche

This only happens once a year so don’t miss out on the ultimate nighttime creative adventure!

-Nora

Update

The morning after:

Here are some of our photos and a video from this year! Our favorites included Julius Popp’s Bit.fall — illuminated words made out of water falling from the sky, ponchos included (see video below), Zimoun’s sound installation at an abandoned fire station, ear plugs included, and Leandro Erlich’s Maison Fond — a leaning Parisian apartment replica. Until next year!