The Grand Palais unveils its temporary structure

Inspiration

ParisCultural HeritageCities

Wilmotte & Associés Architectes
© Wilmotte & Associés Architectes

Reading time: 0 minPublished on 13 November 2023

The Grand Palais will temporarily relocate to the base of the Eiffel Tower at the beginning of 2021 and stay there until the end of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This structure, designed by the Wilmotte & Associés architecture firm, will host the events of the Grand Palais during the transformation of the Parisian institution.

During this process, the Grand Palais does not intend to move away from the sphere of Parisian cultural, festive and athletic events. The building, which will close its doors from the summer of 2020 to the fall of 2024 to carry out large-scale works combining innovation, architecture and design, will settle inside a transitory 10,000 m2 (107,639 ft2) structure called the Grand Palais Ephémère ("Temporary Grand Palais") located on the Champs de Mars, at the base of the Eiffel Tower. The temporary structure will do its part to maintain Paris' reputation as the capital of art and culture before it reopens in 2024.

Wilmotte & Associés Architectes
© Wilmotte & Associés Architectes

Supported by the Union of National Museums-Grand Palais and Paris 2024 the temporary Grand Palais is intended to host the major art, fashion and sport events during these four years, usually organized in the Nef, including the FIAC, the Saut Hermès (Hermes Jump) and Chanel shows. It will also hold cultural and artistic events designed by the UNM - Grand Palais.

The temporary Grand Palais, host venue of the 2024 Olympic Games

Once renovations are completed in the summer of 2024, the Grand Palais will host the fencing and taekwondo competitions of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, while the temporary Grand Palais will host judo and wrestling.

Wilmotte & Associés Architectes
© Wilmotte & Associés Architectes

On the Plateau Joffre on the Champ de Mars, the Grand Palais Ephémère is part of the history of the site adjoining the Eiffel Tower, in the wake of the great Universal Exhibitions of the 19th and early 20th centuries. In terms of architecture, the double-vaulted, curved structure fits perfectly in this prestigious site.

An exemplary architecture through to its sobriety and respect for the environment

The UNM-Grand Palais and Paris 2024 sought to create an exemplary project of the Grand Palais Ephémère in order to respect history and the environment. Through organized international events, as well as with its architecture and design, visitors will find the cultural, environmental and sporting aspirations of the Grand Palais better than ever.

For more information: • Prepare your visit to the Grand PalaisWilmotte & Associés Architecture Firm • Plan your trip to Paris with the Paris Tourism Office

By France.fr

The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine…