Centquatre-Paris, Cultural center in 19th arrondissement, France.
Centquatre-Paris is a cultural venue in a converted industrial building with exhibition spaces, working artist studios, performance theaters, and dining areas beneath soaring glass ceilings and exposed ironwork. The sprawling space combines outdoor courtyards with multiple indoor halls, creating a flexible environment for simultaneous exhibitions, shows, and creative activities.
Built in 1870 as a municipal mortuary complex, the building originally served the city's funeral administration for many decades. A major renovation in the early 2000s transformed it into a contemporary arts center, repurposing the historic structure for creative expression.
This center brings together artists working across painting, sculpture, dance, and other forms, who regularly welcome visitors into their working studios. You can watch creators in action and experience art being made rather than just viewing finished pieces.
The center operates on a regular schedule, though hours vary by day, so checking before visiting is a good idea. Two nearby metro stations, Riquet and Stalingrad, provide easy public transport access to the location.
The building's past as a large funeral complex with stables for hundreds of horses and numerous hearses is now hidden behind its role as a vibrant arts venue. This transformation from a place of mourning to one of creative expression and play represents an unusual form of urban renewal.
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