Lavirotte Building, Art Nouveau apartment building in 7th arrondissement, Paris, France.
The Lavirotte Building at 29 Avenue Rapp is a six-storey apartment block. Its lower levels mix pale stone with carved plant forms around the doors and windows; above, three tiers of windows rise to a glazed gallery and steep roof, with dark green columns framing the central bays. The upper facade is faced with glazed ceramic tiles by Alexandre Bigot, and the doorway is framed by sculpture by Jean-Baptiste Larrivé.
Architect Jules Lavirotte built the structure between 1899 and 1901, employing new construction techniques including reinforced concrete and hollow brick. Its innovative facade won a citywide competition in 1901, bringing it recognition beyond Paris.
The building embodies Art Nouveau ideals through its flowing decorative elements that blend nature-inspired motifs with functional design. These ornamental choices reflected the movement's vision of merging art with everyday life and residential spaces.
The building sits near the Eiffel Tower and is easily reached on foot or by Metro using the Alma-Marceau or Pont de l'Alma stations. You can view the entire ornamental facade from the street without needing special access.
The doorway's sculpted female bust is said to be Jane de Montchenu, the painter and wife of Jules Lavirotte. The wrought-iron door panels carry lizards, a Parisian argot term for the male organ, which some observers read as deliberate erotic symbolism alongside Adam and Eve. Others see only plant and animal ornament.
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