Since 1996, Paris Photo has been the gold standard of international fine art photography fairs. A social and cultural destination more akin to Cannes than to Art Basel, its annual installation at the Grand Palais has done more to elevate the genre among critics, curators and collectors than just about any other event. Now, building on the recent surge of interest in Paris-L.A. cultural cross-pollination (including the Ceci N'est Pas… programs), Paris Photo L.A. takes on Hollywood. Paramount Pictures Studios is an iconic, innovative choice of locale — in eschewing the usual convention-center hot box, the Paris Photo folks signal their desire for important architecture and historical panache. With a formidable mix of Parisian and Angeleno galleries as the core of the programming (including a great many that are not photography-exclusive in real life), the cultural exchange among exhibitors and fairgoers is off to an auspicious start. Conversations, screenings, book signings and special exhibitions ensure the event is recognizable as an art fair — and of course, sales are still a metric of success. That said, this may well be the one fair where the crowd is as enjoyable as the displays — and where the displays actually deliver the avant-garde and unexpected. Bon (couture) appetit, L.A.! Paramount Pictures Studios, 5555 Melrose Ave.; Fri.-Sat., April 26-27, noon-7 p.m.; Sun., April 28, noon-6 p.m.; $28 per day ($40 with catalog). parisphoto.com/losangeles.

Fri., April 26, 12-7 p.m.; Sat., April 27, 12-7 p.m.; Sun., April 28, 12-6 p.m., 2013

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