Audio GuidePavillon de l'Arsenal
Architecture is celebrated at this 19th-century building with a permanent exhibition on Paris.
Museum
Paris, France
Pavillon de l'Arsenal is located at twenty-one Boulevard Morland in Paris's fourth arrondissement. Initially constructed in the late nineteenth century for Laurent-Louis Borniche, a wood merchant and keen painter, the building started as a timber warehouse and later functioned as an extension to a well-known department store. In the middle of the twentieth century, the City of Paris purchased the site, and following a refurbishment by architects Reichen and Robert, it reopened in the late nineteen-eighties as a centre dedicated to urban planning and architecture.
The building's architecture embodies the style and essence of nineteenth-century Paris, with its sturdy and practical design that seamlessly integrates historical charm with contemporary functionality. Situated in the historic Arsenal district, it is surrounded by landmarks that illustrate Paris's transformation from medieval fortifications into today's bustling metropolis.
Inside, the ground floor features a permanent exhibition entitled "Paris, la métropole et ses projets." This extensive exhibition comprises archives, photographs, maps, films, and a digital model of Paris, created in collaboration with technology innovators. The first and second floors host temporary exhibitions that change regularly, focusing on themes such as housing, urban development, and notable projects, alongside showcasing current urban initiatives and architectural competitions. Conferences with distinguished architects further enhance the experience, while multimedia resources, including films and digital archives, vividly present both the past and present of Paris.
Pavillon de l'Arsenal is an essential destination for anyone keen to delve into the intricate weave of Parisian history and modern urban design.
Listen to this and other guides in app
