I paid €7. I went in with expectations. Here is what I actually found.

What They Promised

The Salon des Bombasphères was marketed as a major street art exhibition at 35 Quai d’Anjou — over 100 artists, huge murals, an immersive experience. On paper it sounded like exactly the kind of underground event I look for in this city.

What Was Actually There

The reality was smaller. Much smaller. The exhibition felt more like an open gallery shop than an immersive show. The space was compact and the number of artists felt closer to 30 or 40 than the promised 100+.

That said — the individual pieces were genuinely interesting. Artists working with upcycled materials created some of the most inventive work I saw all year: old street signs reimagined as canvases, oil barrels transformed into sculpture, and one piece I will not forget — a toilet seat decorated with extraordinary precision and care.

The Live Painting

The best part of the exhibition was the live painting sessions. Watching an artist work in real time, making decisions in front of you, changing direction mid-piece — that is something no finished artwork can replicate. If you go to any street art event in Paris, stay for the live sessions.

Is It Worth Going?

At €7, yes — if you go with realistic expectations. Do not expect a massive immersive show. Expect a small, high-quality gallery event with some genuinely creative work and the energy of live painting. That is what it is.

I prefer honest reviews to promotional ones. This city has too many experiences worth your time to waste it on misleading marketing.