Maison de l'Amérique latine, Cultural center in 7th arrondissement, France

The Maison de l'Amérique latine occupies two 18th-century mansions at 217 boulevard Saint-Germain: the Hôtel de Varengeville, built in 1704 by Jacques V Gabriel, and the Hôtel Amelot de Gournay, built in 1712 by Germain Boffrand. Its cream stone facade rises five levels to a gray mansard roof with pedimented dormers, and a dark metal sculpture of interlocking circles stands on the lawn before it.

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs established this center in 1946 to acknowledge Latin American support during France's liberation in World War II. The founding marked the beginning of an institutionalized cultural exchange between the two regions.

The center showcases Latin American art exhibitions, film screenings, and music performances that foster cultural exchange between France and the region. Visitors can discover contemporary works and traditional artistic forms from Latin America in these spaces.

The center is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM and Saturday from 2 PM to 6 PM, accessible via the Solférino or Rue du Bac metro stations. The convenient location in Saint-Germain allows visitors to easily combine a visit with exploring the neighborhood.

The center occupies two 18th-century townhouses: the Hôtel de Varengeville, built in 1704 by Jacques V Gabriel, and the Hôtel Amelot de Gournay, built in 1712 by Germain Boffrand. The state bought them for the Banque de l'Algérie, and they passed to the Banque de France when it was wound up in 1963.