A vibrant artistic hub where funeral‑past architecture meets cutting‑edge contemporary creation.
Description
CENTQUATRE‑PARIS is a vast cultural center opened in 2008 on the former Paris municipal undertakers’ premises dating back to the 19ᵗʰ century. Originally built in 1874 by Édouard Delebarre‑Debay and Godon under Victor Baltard’s guidance, its industrial architecture of brick, metal, and glass housed funeral services until 1997. The conversion by Atelier Novembre transformed it into a hybrid art laboratory, collaborative platform and public space.
Spanning nearly 39,000 m², CENTQUATRE hosts artist residencies, shows, exhibitions, concerts, performances, workshops, festivals, and free artistic practices (dance, circus, theatre, digital arts). It also features eateries (Grand Central, Café Caché), a pizza truck, organic market, bookstore, and social enterprises like Emmaüs Défi.
The venue buzzes with energy, welcoming families via "La Maison des Petits", locals to "Le Cinq", start‑ups via 104factory, exhibition visitors, and resident artists in creation mode. It draws over 500,000 visitors annuall.
Practically, CENTQUATRE is open Tue–Fri 12pm–7pm, Sat–Sun 11am–7pm, and evenings for events. Closed Mondays and mid‑August, with reduced fares, free access for under‑6s, and concession pricing. Tickets via website, phone or on‑site. The site is wheelchair‑accessible, with support for visually/hearing impaired visitors.
Fun fact: in May 1968, the funeral services operated self‑managed for a month in the same halls now devoted to creativity.
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