In many major European metropolises, October is the month of art. We introduce the most important art fairs in London and Paris and highlight which famous artworks to experience in these cities, beyond the fairs.

 

Frieze Art Fair, London

David Hockney and Sandro Botticelli, All for Free: Top Museums in London

In London, “Frieze Week” is the most important week of the art year. Two art fairs take place in Regent’s Park: while Frieze London focuses on contemporary art, Frieze Masters showcases works dating back to the 20th century, including artworks from antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the 19th century. Both fairs feature famous artworks and those that may become famous in the future.

London’s public museum collections are completely free.

Here are our top 5 famous artworks in London museums:

• “Mystic Nativity” by Sandro Botticelli – National Gallery:
  This iconic painting connects earthly and heavenly worlds through the birth of Jesus, exemplifying Italian Renaissance art.
• “Fountain“ by Marcel Duchamp – Tate Modern
  One of the world’s most famous artworks and one of the first so-called “ready-mades,” which revolutionized modern art.
• “The Fighting Temeraire“ by M.W. Turner – National Gallery
  This famous painting depicts the old ship being towed into London harbor, symbolizing the transition from tradition to modernity.
• “A Bigger Splash“ by David Hockney – Tate Modern
  This famous painting captures a dive into the water and is a brilliant example of his use of color and form, evoking Californian life.
• “Painting“ by Joan Miró – Tate Modern
  Abstract and figurative, minimalist and dynamic, bold yet delicate: the Spanish artist Miró created a unique style that made him a world-renowned artist.

 

Claude Monet and Leonardo Da Vinci: Paintings Worth the Trip to Paris

The Grand Palais in Paris

In October, Paris hosts one of the world’s most important art fairs in one of its most beautiful venues: Art Basel Paris at the Grand Palais. Alongside artworks by famous artists that are for sale, often for several million euros, there are freely accessible exhibitions, installations, monumental sculptures, and curatorial projects by renowned French and international artists such as Jesse Darling, Jean-Charles de Quillacq, Niki de Saint Phalle, Yayoi Kusama, and Thomas Schütte in public spaces.

Claude Monet, Waterlilies, Musée l’Orangerie Paris

 

Additionally, don’t miss these 5 famous artworks in Parisian museums:

• “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci – Louvre:
  Probably the most famous painting in the world, known for the subject’s enigmatic smile.
• Wataerlilies series by Claude Monet – Musée de l’Orangerie
  A large-scale, immersive series of water lily paintings depicting Monet’s garden in Giverny.
• “Starry Night Over the Rhône” by Vincent van Gogh – Musée d’Orsay
  A luminous nocturnal image of the Rhône River, showcasing Van Gogh’s passion for light and color.
• “IKB 3, Monochrome Bleu“ by Yves Klein – Centre Pompidou
  Klein’s monumental monochrome works are iconic for modern art, and this piece highlights his distinctive use of ultramarine blue.
• “Les Trois Grâces“ von Niki de Saint Phalle – Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris
  This sculptural installation features the famous artist’s colorful figures, celebrating the female form in a playful yet powerful way.