Modern Architecture in Paris

Traditionally, Berlin, London and Paris are the big three European cities. Of these big three, Paris is the only one whose 19th-century city is largely intact. As is well known, the inner cities of London and Berlin were significantly destroyed. After the destruction came reconstruction in which there was plenty of room for modern, innovative architecture.

19th century boulevards

In Paris, on the other hand, as a tourist, you don’t just run into contemporary architecture. The city is dominated by boulevards built under the direction of George-Eugène Haussmann between 1850 and 1870. Much of medieval Paris with its narrow, winding streets was demolished at the time and replaced by the buildings we know today.

Architectural Experiments

So for modern architecture in Paris, you should not be in the center. The suburbs of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s are home to many architectural experiments. For architecture lovers, some are definitely worth visiting. Of a completely different order are two prestigious projects from the past decade: the “Philharmonie de Paris” and the “Fondation Louis Vuitton.

Philharmonie de Paris

The Philharmonie de Paris was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. The building opened in early 2015. It is located in Parc de la Vilette northeast of central Paris. You can approach the building from different approaches, where public space intertwines with the building. Unfortunately, much of that intended public space has been closed off. The pavement and much of the facade consists of bird-shaped tesselations reminiscent of the work of M.C. Escher. In doing so, the architect wanted to emphasize the connection between public space and building. Another part of the facade consists of strips of reflective metal designed in an undulating weave pattern. The metal is perforated in specific areas. With this, the rooms behind get filtered daylight and it provides views from inside.

Fondation Louis Vuitton

The Fondation Louis Vuitton is located in the vast Bois de Boulogne park on the west side of downtown. It houses the art collection of Bernard Arnault, chairman of the board of Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy. On display are artworks by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Eliasson, Ellsworth Kelly and others. The building was designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry, known to the general public for the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.