The Grand Palais Éphémère

30/10/2020

The Grand Palais, located in the Champs-Élysées, is a striking museum and historical monument that was built for the Universal Exposition of 1900. This remarkable site, emblematic of the innovative Art Nouveau Architecture, has become a symbol of culture and national heritage. The Grand Palais, in fact, has continuously hosted events and exhibitions in the fields of art, history and fashion.

The monument, however, requires large renovation works and will temporarily close from January 2021. Its re-opening is expected in January 2024 to host the Olympic Games, and in the spring of 2025 it will officially reopen to the public.

In order to keep the Grand Palais alive during these works a new building will take its place: the Grand Palais Éphémère. Located in Champ de Mars, facing the Tour Eiffel, this Temporary Grand Palais has been designed by the world renowned architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. The preparation of the site and the following works have started in the middle of July 2020, and the Grand Palais Éphémère will be complete in January 2021, remaining accessible until the 2024 Olympic Games.

 

 

The ideal location of the site requires special attention. The Grand Palais Éphémère stands between the Tour Eiffel and the École Militaire, another significant historical building, in place Joffre. While thus residing in a major historical, cultural and symbolical area, the creation of the building seeks to compliment its surroundings, thus respecting the composition of its grounds.

 

 

The project is also built with particular awareness of sustainability by putting in place strategies that enhance architectural features in order to save consumption of building materials and polluting energies. In fact, the building’s arched structure allows for a more limited use of wood for the roof, and the double coating of the roof confers the building greater soundproofing as well as enhanced thermal and ventilation qualities.

 

 

The Grand Palais Éphémère will thus officially take the place of the Grand Palais during this period of renovation works, with the promise of an exceptional building in an unparalleled location. It will host events that would have taken place in the Nef of the Grand Palais, such as La Biennale Paris and the Chanel fashion show. This exciting project, that seeks to preserve the Grand Palais’ cultural heritage, gives us something to look forward to in the new year!