Centre national des arts plastiques, National art organization in La Défense, France
The Centre National des Arts Plastiques is a state organization in La Défense that manages a collection of around 105,000 artworks and continuously expands it. The institution acquires pieces through purchases, donations, and commissioned works from contemporary French artists.
The institution was founded in 1982 but continues a state art collecting tradition that started in 1791. Today the collection grows by several hundred new works annually, steadily expanding France's art heritage.
The organization backs living artists across painting, sculpture, design, photography, and video through multiple support programs. This role reflects France's long tradition of using state funding to nurture creative work.
The collection is housed in Tour Atlantique at Place de la Pyramide in Puteaux and can be visited by appointment. Access is mainly for specialists and researchers with specific interests in the holdings.
The organization has maintained a database of public art commissions since 1983 and made it publicly searchable online. Visitors can explore virtual tours through curated art routes like Partcours-Tuileries without visiting in person.
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