The Salon was the name given to the official, and for many years the only, exhibition for artists' work in Paris. It was established and organised by the Académie Royale and was held in the Louvre in the Salon Carré, from which it derived its name. Critical acclaim received at the Salon was of the greatest importance for the furtherance of a painter's career. It became a regular event from 1737.
The English equivalent of the Salon was, and is, the annual Summer Exhibition organised by the Royal Academy of Arts in London.