Lines wrapped around the block for the highly anticipated preview of Art Basel Paris on Wednesday, marking its inaugural edition at the newly renovated Grand Palais. Within an hour of opening, the venue buzzed with activity as collectors, VIPs like Natalie Portman, Raf Simons, and Queen Rania of Jordan, and renowned artists such as Kaws and Marc Quinn filled the space.

Major sales occurred early on, with White Cube selling Julie Mehretu’s “Insile” for $9.5 million and Hauser & Wirth closing a $3.5 million deal for Mark Bradford’s “Not Quite in a Hurry.” Lorraine Kiang of the Kiang Malingue gallery noted the day’s “great influx of visitors and collectors,” leading to significant first-day sales.

The return of collectors from Asia, particularly China, South Korea, and Japan, was also a key highlight, noted by fashion executive David Kang. The presence of artists like Lee Ufan and Lee Bae underscored Paris’ importance in major acquisitions.

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One standout installation was a 15-foot Frank Gehry fish sculpture at the Louis Vuitton booth, celebrating a long-standing collaboration with the architect. The French brand also showcased scale models of Gehry’s work for the Fondation Louis Vuitton, marking its 10th anniversary.

Gehry, a lifelong Francophile, expressed his excitement about showcasing his work at the Grand Palais, saying, “The Grand Palais invites you to be bold and daring. It’s inspiring to see how such a historic structure remains relevant, modern, and exciting.”

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Architect Harry Nuriev reflected on the fresh atmosphere of the event, saying, “The world has changed, art has changed, and the creative landscape is different. It’s fascinating how the same space can evoke such different feelings.”