LE GRAND PALAIS RENOVATION CHATILLON ARCHITECTS
Transformed by Chatillon Architectes, the major restoration has been underway since 2021, with the first phase unveiled to the public this summer and the full completion slated for 2025
Although conceived as a temporary Beaux-Arts palace, the Grand Palais has become one of the most timeless monuments in Paris. Built by the French Republic for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, the Grand Palais is nestled in the heart of the city and serves as an icon of artistic excellence.
Over the course of a century, the building became the international showcase of the French cultural scene, hosting the world’ s greatest exhibitions and events. Throughout history, the Grand Palais faced fragmentation and neglect and was even once slated for demolition. Over time, areas of the building have been closed off to the public, resulting in limited access to events and visitor disorientation.
Chatillon Architectes, known for their adept transformation of existing structures, has approached this project with a focus on enhancing public access, improving natural daylight, and reconnecting the Grand Palais with its urban surroundings.“ The opportunity to redevelop an icon is amazing, but the Grand Palais feels like so much more”, says François Chatillon, Founder of Chatillon Architectes.“ It’ s the opportunity to return a permanent public use to the building, to redevelop the surrounding grounds, to connect the building back with the city, and to adapt it for the Olympics and future generations. This is truly a once-in-alifetime project.”
6- REFURB & RESTORE