For the first major renovation in the building’ s storied history, the architects drew on thousands of archival plans and documents to inform the ambitious project. Aimed at creating a new sense of unity and coherence in the building’ s varied spaces, the restoration’ s impact is substantial. The project has increased overall accessibility for the public, but also its capacity, enabling the Nef to accommodate 60 % more guests for events.
The introduction of newfound connections between the three main areas, coupled with improved circulation and new visitor services, will allow guests to rediscover the Grand Palais’ s historical features, joining a free new interior walk from Square Jean Perrin to the Seine via the central square, linking the Palais d’ Antin and the Nave. The Nef’ s beautiful surrounding balconies, featuring some of the earliest recorded cantilevers, have also been reinforced and restored, allowing them to become part of the visitor journey once again, offering fresh and new perspectives across the grand structure.
Creating public access like never before, Chatillon has removed ad-hoc walls and separations that had been installed over time, most notably reinstating the building’ s original central axis, reconnecting the main nave with Palais de la Découverte, restoring a view from the Rotunda that has not been seen since 1939. The restoration not only facilitates a seamless flow within the building but also reconnects the Grand Palais to the historical cityscape, creating a renewed connection with neighboring landmarks such as the Champs- Elysées and the Petit Palais.
The new public Grand Palais gardens that surround the structure draw inspiration from the nearby Champs-Élysées gardens, sharing a similar spirit with curved beds and paths, lawns, and a diverse selection of planting. A wall of evergreen shrubs has been placed along Boulevard Churchill, alongside a wide variety of greenery, roses, perennials, and bulbs, 250 species in total, with over 60,000 plants. Newly-planted lawns will be irrigated by rainwater collected from the building’ s roofs, and many of the
new plants have been selected from the wild palette of the Paris basin to support pollination and local biodiversity.
The Grand Palais restoration aligns with a robust sustainable development strategy, integrating modern technical solutions and management practices into the culturally significant site. With a profound understanding of the Grand Palais’ s legacy, Chatillon Architectes has ushered it into a new era, safeguarding the relevance of this timeless monument and ensuring it continues to be a nexus for creativity, innovation, and grandeur.
www. chatillonarchitectes. com
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
• Architects: Chatillon Architects- www. chatillonarchitectes. com
• Area: 72000 m ²
• Year: 2025
• Photographs: Laurent Kronental, Charly Broyez, Antoine Mercusot
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