Paris's First Floating Art Museum Just Opened — and It’s Completely Free

The Louvre and Musée d'Orsay may be just over a mile away, but this new Parisian art center is already causing a stir in the art community.

For starters, it floats.

Fluctuart, an urban art center that opened in July, is located in a three-story, 11,000-square-foot building that’s moored on the iconic Seine river. Located between the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, the floating space couldn’t have a better location to show off its collection of street and graffiti art from artists like Banksy and Shepard Fairey.

In addition to showcasing work by street art pioneers and world-famous masters, the free, year-round museum includes emerging artists in their permanent and temporary exhibits.

Fluctuart’s alternative style is only enhanced by the museum’s low-key atmosphere. Seating, a pop-up cocktail bar, and of course, street art on the banks of the Seine draw people in, while expanding the museum’s space. For on-water views, visitors can head to the boat’s rooftop bar and restaurant for a snack — with repurposed spray paint cans and skateboard decks serving as menus.

The small, but efficient museum also includes a bookstore and a space for cultural events and workshops.

“Urban art is alive, it inspires us, confronts us, stimulates us, unites us. It fits everywhere, on the walls of our cities, and today defies the waves, in the very heart of Paris,” said Jean-Louis Missika, the deputy mayor of Paris, on the center’s website.

Fluctuart’s mission is to connect street artists of all backgrounds while providing the space to showcase their art to the world.