Galleria Continua – Les Moulins

The first of these famous Italian contemporary art galleries opened in San Gimignano in Tuscany. They are well-known for popping up in unexpected places, so it’s fair to say its owners knew what they were doing when they decided to set up in an old 10,000m2 paper mill in the middle of the French countryside.

The industrial buildings’ hydraulic wheels, exposed metallic structure and beams, and concrete footings date back to the 1820s: a golden age for the Sainte-Marie paper mill in Boissy-le-Châtel, when its paper machines were established as trailblazers in the “book revolution” of the period. Today, its lush surroundings and elements of unrefined rawness are the perfect foil for the often monumental artwork and high-class collective art exhibitions displayed in the two 1,500m2 exhibition areas. These vast spaces have already featured works by famous artists such as Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor, Ai Weiwei and Antony Gormley, surrounded by lush green and industrial grey.

Prepare to be amazed!

More museums and cultural sites in Paris Region.