An iconic Parisian landmark, the Grand Palais is set to play a significant role in the 2024 Paris Olympics following a major renovation by French studio Chatillon Architects. The first images of the renovated building, captured by Laurent Groenend, reveal the progress of the extensive project, which began in 2021. With the full restoration expected to be completed by 2025, the initial phase will be unveiled this summer, allowing the historic space to open. To host Olympic Games including Fencing and Taekwondo competitions.
Originally built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, the Grand Palais has stood the test of time even though it was considered a temporary Beaux-Arts palace. Over the years, the building faced periods of neglect and fragmentation, with parts closed to the public. The restoration aims to address these issues by improving public access, increasing natural daylight and reconnecting the palace to its urban context.
As this represents the first major restoration in the monument’s storied history, Chatillon Architects approached the project with a focus on improving public access and creating coherence within the building’s various spaces. The restoration project was informed by archival plans and documents. The introduction of new connections between the main areas of the Grand Palais, improved circulation and visitor services allows the building to accommodate 60% more guests for events, while offering the chance to discover the building’s historic features.
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The renovation reinstated the original central axis of the building, reconnected the main nave with the Palais de la Découvert and restored views of the rotunda, unseen since 1939. The surrounding gardens, inspired by the nearby Champs-Élysées, feature a wide variety of plants and statics. Irrigation systems. This integration of modern technological solutions and sustainable practices ensures that Grand Palais continues to exist.
The prospect of recreating an icon is amazing, but the Grand Palais feels even more so. This is an opportunity to return the building to permanent public use, redevelop the surrounding grounds, reconnect the building to the city and adapt it for the Olympics and future generations – a truly once-in-a-lifetime project. – François Chatillon, founder of Chatillon Architects
Representative architectural elements have also been reinforced and restored, including some of the earliest recorded cantilevers and balconies. Chatillon Architects aimed to preserve and celebrate the original elements as much as possible, paying homage to the designs of its original architects, Henri Declan, Albert Louvet, Albert Thomas and Charles Girald. During the 2024 Paris Olympics, sporting events will be held in the building’s central atrium.
With the 2024 Paris Olympics approaching, the city is expecting an influx of athletes and visitors through various initiatives and programs. Among them, VenhoevenCS and Ateliers 2/3/4/ have won the competition for the new aquatic center, while Dominique Perrault has revealed the master plan for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Village. In addition, iconic landmarks across Paris will host sporting events, combining the city’s rich cultural heritage with the excitement of the Games.