Amidst its skyscrapers and its open-air sculpture museum, known as La Défense Art Collection, the quartier de la Défense and a must-see for lovers of contemporary art. You can admire the Grande Arche - the view from its roof is also spectacular - the CNIT, the First Tower and the recently built Paris La Défense Arena, A magnificent venue designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc that hosts numerous major events (concerts, sporting competitions, etc.).
Still west of Paris, heading toward l’île Seguin - in Boulogne-Billancourt—where the Seine Musicale since 2017. Dedicated to music and dance, La Seine Musicale is also a jewel of contemporary architecture designed by Shigeru Ban and Jean de Gastines. We continue our stroll across from the island in the Trapèze eco-neighborhood, where we look up to see Jean Nouvel’s Horizons Tower.
Eastern Paris isn't left out either, with the parc de la Villette in which one can admire, among other things, the Philharmonie de Paris. Not far from there, the Rosa Parks neighborhood—where some of the biggest names in contemporary architecture have worked—is also worth exploring.
In the southern part of the capital, the Bibliothèque neighborhood, also known as Paris Rive Gauche, is home to the most daring contemporary buildings. The tour begins with the Bibliothèque Nationale de France - Site François Mitterrand and ends with the iconic tours Duo designed by Jean Nouvel, built along the Périphérique and reaching heights of 125 and 180 meters, respectively.
Paris is a favorite destination for the leading figures of contemporary architecture, who have designed buildings that have become must-see landmarks.
The Centre Pompidou, Designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, it is one of those buildings that are an integral part of Paris’s contemporary landscape. Opened in 1977, it is recognizable by its exterior elevators—nicknamed “La Chenille”—and its impressive colorful pipes. Also in the heart of the capital is the superb Pyramide du Louvre by the Sino-American Ieoh Ming Peig, or the Bourse du Commerce - which houses François Pinault’s art collection—redesigned by Tadao Ando. Directly across the street, take a look at the Ministry of Culture’s silver resin facade designed by Francis Soler. And behind the Bourse du Commerce, the view of the Canopée at the Forum des Halles invites you to take a leisurely stroll.
Italian architect Renzo Piano also designed the glass shell of the fondation Jérôme Seydoux. This case protects the sculpted front panel designed by Auguste Rodin.
Other great architects have designed magnificent buildings that house museums. Among them is Frank Gehry, the architect behind the Fondation Louis Vuitton and the Cinémathèque française, architects Jakob and MacFarlane, who designed the Cité de la Mode et du Design, Bernard Tschumi, designer of the folies in Parc de la Villette.
Another leading figure in contemporary architecture: Jean Nouvel. The French architect has left his mark on the Parisian architectural landscape. Among his iconic works that can be admired outdoors are: Institut du Monde Arabe, the Philharmonie de Paris, the musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, the fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, the boutique H&M the Champs-Élysées and the Duo Towers in the 13th arrondissement.
Street art has taken over every neighborhood in Paris and plays a key role for contemporary art lovers strolling through Paris. Discover six neighbourhoods où voir du street art à Paris.
