Created in 1989 by Claudine Papillon, the gallery was quickly recognized for its cutting-edge programme and characteristic editorial line. Ever since opening her first space, Claudine Papillon has presented solo exhibitions by Erik Dietman, Dieter Roth, Michael Craig-Martin, Hreinn Fridfinnsson and Sigmar Polke, who went on to become iconic artists.

Since January 2016, it is under a new identity, “Galerie Papillon”, that Claudine and Marion Papillon, who have been associates for 9 years, reassert their commitment to support contemporary creation. Bold and, at times, unconventional, the artists they bring together have a common sensibility, a sense of poetry and irony.

The gallery is constantly expanding its team in order to support artists from abroad such as Javier Pérez, or Luka Fineisen, but also with the clear purpose of promoting the French scene, showcasing the diversity and richness of the work of young artists such as Elsa Sahal (Ceramix at the Maison Rouge Paris & Bonnefantenmuseum Maastricht), Gaëlle Chotard (Drawing Lab) or David Raffini (Prix Ricard 2015 avec Florian Pugnaire). In 2016, the Berdaguer & Péjus duo as well as Céline Cléron are joining the team.

The gallery is also unquestionably renowned for defending artists expressing themselves throw drawing and work on paper, such as Cathryn Boch (2014 Drawing Now Prize), Frédérique Loutz and Didier Trenet, as well as Joël Kermarrec (born in 1940), whose first solo show was held at the gallery in 2015. 

Fostering long-term, privileged relationship with its artists, the Galerie Papillon supports their national and global career. Featured in many private and public collections, they take part in major group exhibitions as well a significant solo shows:

The Guerlain Donation at the Centre Pompidou, the Antoine de Galbert Collection, the Laurent Dumas Collection, the Vuitton Foundation, the Palais de Tokyo, the FNAC, the Maeght Foundation, the IAC (Villeurbanne), the Venice Biennale, the Mamco (Geneva)…

Located near the Centre Pompidou in a 250 m2 space, the gallery inaugurated a first-floor “UPSTAIRS” presenting artists, focuses, group or evolving shows in an environment that is closer to a private space.

In addition, the gallery is especially committed to supporting and promoting galleries and contemporary creation. The founder of the CHOICES Paris Gallery Weekend launched in 2014, Marion Papillon is also the President of the Comité professionnel des Galeries d’Art français and a member of the management board of the CNAP (Centre National des Arts Plastiques).