Paris-based practice Chatillon Architectes has completed a sweeping transformation of the Le Grand Palais, marking the most comprehensive renovation of the Parisian landmark in its 120-year history.
Reopened ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games, the 77,000-square-metre building has been reimagined with renewed circulation, expanded public access and restored architectural legibility, while maintaining the spirit of its original 1900 design.
Ph. © Charly Broyez for Chatillon Architectes
The four-year project focused on unifying the monument’s fragmented layout, unlocking long-concealed views and integrating modern infrastructure, including 40 new elevators and 30 staircases to ensure full accessibility.
At the heart of the renovation is a reactivated central axis, allowing visitors to traverse the building from Square Jean Perrin to the Seine uninterrupted. Formerly obstructed by decades of partitioning and piecemeal adaptations, the Grand Palais now features an open-plan layout anchored by a new Place Centrale, increasing public access by 140%.
Ph. © Antoine Mercusot for Chatillon Architectes
"The Grand Palais is a powerful symbol of France’s cultural legacy – iconic and instantly recognisable, yet so much of its beauty has been hidden for decades," said François Chatillon, founder of the studio. "This renovation was about bringing it back to life."
Ph. © Charly Broyez for Chatillon Architectes
The renovation blends high-tech interventions with traditional craftsmanship, restoring over 1,000 sculptures and ornaments, alongside the replacement or repair of 150 monumental windows.
Inside, historic exhibition galleries have been stripped back to their original proportions and updated with flexible lighting and multimedia systems. The Centre Pompidou will temporarily house exhibitions here during its own renovation, while GrandPalaisRmn will continue to curate cultural programming.
New additions include Le Réséda Café, a mezzanine restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx, and Le Grand Café, a brasserie designed by Joseph Dirand, overlooking the Champs-Élysées gardens.
Ph. © Charly Broyez for Chatillon Architectes
Outside, the surrounding landscape has been redesigned to better integrate the monument with its urban context, introducing over 60,000 plants across 250 species, with irrigation powered by harvested rainwater from the restored roof.
Ph. © Charly Broyez for Chatillon Architectes
Simon Chatillon, partner at the practice, described the approach as a “thoughtful and innovative” process. “We revitalise historic landmarks as both emblematic monuments and living cultural spaces,” he said.
The renovation not only preserves the architectural legacy of the Grand Palais but also establishes a forward-looking framework for public engagement, culture and environmental stewardship.
Ph. © Antoine Mercusot for Chatillon Architectes
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Cover Image Credit: © Antoine Mercusot for Chatillon Architectes
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