Inspiration through material
MAELIS chandelier restoration workshop © Frédéric Colombo
From 29 October to 1 November, 1st the 31st edition of the International Cultural Heritage Fair, organised by Ateliers d’Art de France, will take place at the Carrousel du Louvre. Over four days, the work of more than 300 exhibitors will be presented to some 21,000 visitors expected at the event. Following a 2025 edition celebrating Art Deco, the 2026 Fair turns its attention to “Heritage in Lights”.
In 2026, light becomes the guiding theme of the Heritage Fair. Whether functional, artistic or symbolic, it is presented as a genuine tool for interpreting and enhancing heritage: revealing materials, emphasising volumes and creating a dialogue between the history of a place and its contemporary presentation. Through this theme, the Fair highlights the expertise and companies that design, manufacture and implement lighting solutions for the restoration and enhancement of built and movable heritage — whether historic, religious, civic or landscape-based.
Once again this year, the event stands out for the diversity of the companies, craftspeople and creators it brings together. The theme of light encompasses lighting designers, master glassmakers, bronze workers and artistic metalworkers, as well as lighting specialists and lighting consultants, alongside specialist companies, craft workshops and manufacturers for whom light is a primary material. Among the exhibitors reflecting this theme, visitors will notably discover the work of Atelier Aura, Studio Vitrail Bianconi, Miroiterie Perucca & Peronino, Atelier Taduy, the Union de l’Industrie du Luminaire, MGS 3D, CBenoît and Maison Tricard.
Beyond the stands, the Fair also offers a rich programme inviting visitors to explore these skills in greater depth. Around thirty keynotes, several award ceremonies and a series of demonstrations will take place throughout the event. Particular attention will be given to the many craftspeople sharing their techniques and expertise through workshops devoted to fan restoration, animated stained glass, gold-leaf application, sculpture and embroidery, to name but a few. “This Fair brings together all those involved in the sector under a single banner: the recognition and promotion of artistic crafts and the built heritage at local, departmental, regional, national and international levels. A place for debate, encounters and economic development, the event allows us to build the heritage of tomorrow together, and each year attracts a growing audience of enthusiasts and committed advocates of the sector”, Stéphane Galerneau explains, President of Ateliers d’Art de France and of the International Cultural Heritage Fair.
Yet the event is far more than an exhibition of exceptional objects. The Fair also addresses major challenges facing the heritage professions and acts as a catalyst for business opportunities. Over the four days, exhibitors will have the opportunity to meet potential clients, but also to recruit new talents and contribute to an increasingly crucial mission: passing on expertise to future generations. As a place where new synergies can emerge, the Fair supports the preservation of both historic and living heritage, notably through a dedicated training area. “The return of the training hub underlines the commitment of Ateliers d’Art de France and its partners to promoting heritage professions and raising awareness of the challenges involved in transmitting expertise. Training future generations in artistic crafts means ensuring the survival of these skills”, the President concludes. •
photos : Restoration of an antique chandelier using environmentally responsible processes, MAELIS chandelier restoration workshop © Frédéric Colombo • Pomone in the workshop, Aura | Marie Roux, artisan d’art • © All rights reserved
