The Grand Palais on the Champs-Élysées in Paris has reopened to the public following the completion of an extensive four-year restoration led by Chatillon Architectes. Originally constructed for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, this marks the first major renovation of the building in over a century.
Restoring access and architectural continuity
The restoration project focused not only on repairing and preserving the building’s historic fabric but also on reimagining its use for contemporary cultural life. The first milestone came in 2024, when the building’s monumental glass-roofed nave was restored in time to host events for the Olympic Games. Now, with the final phase complete, the remaining 77,000 square meters of interior space have been carefully reconnected and reopened, providing continuous public access throughout the building.
A major ambition of the project was to re-establish spatial and visual continuity within the Grand Palais, reintroducing forgotten circulation routes and reinstating long-obscured views. One notable intervention was the removal of a non-original wall between the nave and the Palais de la Découverte, restoring a sightline unseen since 1937. Statues, balconies, and other ornamental features have been meticulously cleaned and repaired, while over 150 original windows have been restored to their former clarity.
Enhancing flexibility and cultural programming
New interventions have also focused on accessibility and visitor experience. The circulation network was restructured with the addition of 40 new elevators complementing the existing 30 staircases, and two new restaurants have been integrated into the building. Exhibition galleries were updated with new lighting and technical systems designed for flexibility, allowing cultural institutions such as the Centre Pompidou—currently in residence during its own renovation—to install temporary exhibitions with ease. Among these is Fun Palace, a textile structure designed by Studio Ossidiana as an experimental, inhabitable installation.
The design team aimed to balance conservation with transformation, enhancing the building’s long-term adaptability without compromising its architectural integrity. The new layout accommodates a wide range of functions and programming needs, supporting its ongoing evolution as a civic and cultural venue.
A research-based approach to heritage transformation
Underlying the architectural strategy was an in-depth research process, involving the analysis of over 3,000 archival plans and drawings. These historical resources informed the reconstruction of missing spatial relationships while supporting the integration of contemporary infrastructure. A modular, future-proof approach was applied to key spaces, enabling them to adapt over time while respecting the building’s original character.
Sustainable energy and climate control systems
The restoration incorporates advanced systems to enhance environmental performance. A key technical feature is the installation of a 25 centimeter thick radiant slab in the Nave, integrating 46 kilometers of of embedded tubing across 7,100 square meters to provide both heating and cooling. This system maintains interior comfort within a height of 1.5–2 meters by circulating water at 50 °C in winter and 15 °C in summer. The slab structure—reinforced with 70 kg/m² of steel—accommodates thermal expansion and supports 44-ton trucks with loads up to 2 t/m².
Temperature and humidity sensors embedded in the slab automatically regulate the climate, while the system is supplied by district networks: hot water from CPCU (Compagnie Parisienne de Chauffage Urbain) and chilled water from Fraîcheur de Paris, achieving interior temperatures of 10–15 °C in winter under outdoor conditions of 5 °C. Additionally, the glazed roof was upgraded with thermal films and 18 mechanical vents to control solar gain and natural ventilation.
Resource conservation and environmental integration
The project emphasizes sustainable resource management, including two 40 cubic meter rainwater recovery tanks for irrigation and non-potable use during droughts. Biodiversity measures target the surrounding gardens and public spaces, with landscaping that reduces heat island effects and favors native species.
Interior fit-out strategies prioritize the use of natural and recyclable materials, with reversible construction methods. Energy use across the building is centralized via technical management systems, and improvements are supported by energy performance contracts and Certificats d’Économie d’Énergie (CEE). The project also enforces green construction standards—limiting waste, noise, pollution, and resource consumption—while embedding social responsibility clauses that ensure 191,186 hours of employment for workers facing social or professional hardship.
