© Denys Vinson
A short distance from the Eiffel Tower, an imposing building stands serenely on the Chaillot hill. Inside it is the Cité de l’architecture & du patrimoine – a museum, a school, a specialized library, a centre for architecture and an archive centre.
This establishment founded in 2007 tells the history of architecture. It creates a connection between tradition and creativity, between the lessons of the past and modern monumental projects, and disseminates the results of research undertaken on its premises.
The Cité’s wide-ranging collection of murals, models, sculptures, stained-glass windows, antique books, drawings and photographs tells the history of architecture from the 11th century to the present day. From Romanesque art in the Basilica in Vézelay to the Cahors cathedral with its Gothic style characteristic of the 14th century and Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse housing project in Marseille, every epoch has its own architectural specificities.
The museum encourages the visitor to see architecture as a reflection of society. The built environment of a society provides insights into its culture, relationship to time, economy and social model.
Throughout the year, the Cité de l’architecture & du patrimoine has a packed cultural programme of temporary exhibitions, guided tours, workshops, talks and debates accessible to all.
Useful information
From 11am to 7pm. Closed on Tuesday.
Palais de Chaillot - 1 place du Trocadéro et du 11 novembre, Paris 16th
