For centuries, French leaders have created iconic buildings that offered dramatically different visions of what the city is and what it should become. Political power, demolition, and construction have always been inseparable in Paris.

This tour will visit the main Grands Projects built over the last forty years as well as contemporary projects, and place them in the context of ten centuries of political construction to give an understanding of contemporary architecture through the history of Paris.

Musée du Quai Branly
The museum of the Quai Branly by Jean Nouvel forms a long bridge half-hidden in dense vegetation. The five-story building is placed on stilts above the garden designed by Gilles Clement.

Louvre Pyramid
The best-known Grand Projet is the plan by I. M. Pei to redesign and expand the Louvre and add a new entrance within a glass pyramid.

Poste centrale du Louvre
An example of industrial architecture of the end 19th C. by Julien Guadet. Currently beeing transformed by Dominique Perrault.

Bourse du Commerce / Collection Pinault
Tadao Ando is converting the former Stock Exchange Building in an art centre.

La Samaritaine
The project by Sanaa is an example of tensions between historic preservation and contemporay architecture.

Les Halles
The redevelopment of the Halles is the central project of the historic market center of Paris. The Canopée is designed by Patrick Berger and Jacques Anziutti architects (architectural Conception Patrick Berger). 

Centre Pompidou
This revolutionary art centre by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers transformed the entire neighborhood into a hip art district.

Institut du Monde Arabe
Jean Nouvel and Architecture Studio reinterpreted islamic architecture in this high-tech metal building.