The International Cultural Fair to celebrate light from October 29 to November 1
Heritage, conservation and culture will be in focus as Paris hosts International Cultural Heritage Fair that will return to the Carrousel du Louvre from October 29 to November 1, bringing together more than 300 exhibitors and an expected 20,000 visitors.
Held under the theme Heritage in Lights, the event will showcase the role of light in the preservation, restoration and enhancement of cultural heritage through exhibitions, conferences, demonstrations and installations, while highlighting expertise ranging from stained glass and architectural lighting to digital heritage reconstruction and traditional craftsmanship.
In a press statement, Ateliers d’Art de France, organiser of the fair, says that the fair continues to serve as a platform that brings together all stakeholders in the sector under one roof, supporting recognition of arts and crafts while fostering exchange, innovation and economic development across local, national and international levels. The organisation adds that the event also acts as a space for dialogue and networking, helping shape the heritage of tomorrow.
The 2025 edition highlighted the scale of the event, with over 330 exhibitors representing more than 40 professions, 21,500 visitors, participation from 10 countries, 40 conferences and multiple award ceremonies, alongside live demonstrations of craftsmanship and a training centre supporting young people and career transitions into heritage professions.
Also Read: 39th India International Trade Fair
Accroding to the statement, for this year edition, the theme will be reflected across exhibitions, installations and discussions, with a focus on how illumination influences both restoration practices and public appreciation of heritage. Light, whether functional, symbolic or artistic, will be explored as a key element in architecture, conservation and contemporary presentation of historic spaces.
A central highlight will be a major installation at the entrance of the exhibition hall created by Atelier Aura, Studio Vitrail Bianconi and Miroiterie Perucca, combining verre églomisé techniques with stained glass to produce a unique visual experience. Another featured work will include MGS 3D’s reconstruction of the Palace of Electricity from the 1900 Universal Exhibition, showcasing how digital technology can preserve and reinterpret historical heritage.
The exhibition will also bring together a wide range of lighting and heritage-related professionals. Maison Tricard will present bespoke fabric and parchment lampshades, while Atelier Taduy will showcase its first participation with light fixtures combining wood and glass. The Lighting Syndicate will also be present alongside MGS 3D’s heritage reconstruction work.
Throughout the fair, visitors will discover diverse approaches to lighting design for historic environments, including stained glass, gilding, architectural illumination and modern lighting systems adapted for conservation needs. Stéphane Petit and Julien Guiller will present their ‘Glass Light’ technique, which projects light through glass artworks to enhance monuments and heritage spaces. ERCO Lumières will showcase architectural lighting solutions, while Maélis-Lusterie Contemporaine will present custom chandelier designs for heritage settings.
Also Read: Incredible India at the International Tourism Fair
Returning exhibitors will include Lum’Art, specialising in indoor and outdoor lighting, and Maisons Baguès Paris-Bronzes de France, known for decorative metalwork and art lighting, reinforcing the fair’s focus on both tradition and innovation in craft.
Ateliers d’Art de France will host a dedicated session titled Heritage & Light: How Light Shapes Our Relationship to Objects and Places, focussing on how illumination influences both perception and conservation practices.
Stéphane Galerneau
Ateliers d’Art de France will continue its commitment to supporting emerging talent through the 2026 Young Talent in Craftsmanship Award, which will be presented to Garance Ricol, a conservator-restorer specialising in graphic and printed heritage. Her work focuses on precise restoration techniques that aim to preserve the material and historical integrity of cultural objects.
The jury for the 2026 edition brings together experts from across crafts, design, journalism and cultural institutions, including Stéphane Galerneau, Bertrand Lacourt, Anne-Claire Duprat, Héloïse Leboucher, Sophie Rolin, Samira Hamiche and 2025 award winner Victor Tison.
“The exhibition brings together professionals from across disciplines, helping to strengthen recognition of crafts while building a shared vision for preserving and enhancing heritage for future generations,” says Stéphane Galerneau, President of Ateliers d’Art de France and President of the International Cultural Heritage Fair.