The Grand Palais in Paris, a symbol of French cultural heritage and architectural prowess, has recently reopened to the public after undergoing the most extensive restoration in its 120-year history. Led by the Paris-based architectural firm Chatillon Architectes, the renovation not only breathes new life into this iconic monument but also redefines the concept of public space within a historical building. Originally constructed for the 1900 World’s Fair, the Grand Palais has long stood as a testament to France's technical ingenuity, cultural excellence, and architectural ambition. However, after decades of renovations and adaptations, the building’s original design intent had gradually been lost. Following the unveiling of the restored Nave for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the entire 77,000-square-meter structure has now been renewed, merging historical elegance with contemporary functionality.
Chatillon Architectes’ approach to the restoration stands as both a recovery and a reinterpretation of the Grand Palais’ original vision. The project, guided by more than 3,000 archival plans and drawings, has sought to reestablish the building’s architectural clarity while adapting it for modern civic and cultural uses. The team has paid particular attention to reconnecting fragmented elements of the building, recovering lost volumes, and uncovering spaces that had long been hidden or inaccessible. Each intervention was treated as part of a broader narrative, balancing the preservation of the building's legacy with the needs of the future.
One of the most notable aspects of the restoration was the reopening of the original axis that runs from Square Jean Perrin to the Seine River. This axis, which had been severed by later additions, has now been reconnected, creating a new central public space—“Place Centrale”—that welcomes and orients visitors. This newly unified area includes the Place Centrale, the Rotonde d’Antin, and the Salon Seine, increasing public access by 140%. The removal of non-original partitions and the introduction of transparent enclosures have restored the interior volumes of the building, allowing for a more open and airy feel. Notably, a wall that had divided the main Nave from the Palais de la Découverte since 1937 has now been removed, opening up the space for a better flow of visitors.
Beyond the restoration of the building’s structural integrity, the renovation has also reimagined the circulation system. Over 40 elevators and 30 staircases have been added, ensuring barrier-free access throughout the building. The interior has been enhanced with new public amenities, including a mezzanine-level café—Le Réséda Café—which offers panoramic views of the building’s interior, as well as a northern loggia of the Nave that houses Le Grand Café, a brasserie designed by Joseph Dirand overlooking the Champs-Élysées gardens.
The renovation of the Grand Palais extends beyond the building itself, with the surrounding landscape also undergoing significant improvements. The pedestrian walkway at Square Jean Perrin, once a road, has now been transformed into a green space that integrates the entrance to the Palais de la Découverte with the gardens. Over 60,000 plants from 250 species have been introduced to the surrounding green spaces, enhancing biodiversity and ecological resilience. Additionally, the irrigation system is powered by rainwater collected from the restored roofing structures, creating a sustainable water cycle within the monument.
Traditional artisanal techniques were blended with advanced technical expertise throughout the restoration. More than 1,000 statues, reliefs, and ornamental details, both inside and outside the building, have been meticulously restored. The renovation also involved the restoration of 150 monumental windows and the addition of new openings and doors as tall as six meters, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of the original design.
The Grand Palais stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of historical architecture in the modern world. As American architect Frank Gehry once said, “Architecture is not just about now, it’s about leaving a legacy for the future.” This project has seamlessly merged the past with the present, allowing visitors to experience both the grandeur of the building’s history and the comfort of contemporary public spaces. For architects, history lovers, and everyday visitors, the Grand Palais now offers a harmonious blend of history and modernity, setting a global example for the restoration and adaptive reuse of historic structures.