Immeuble de la Société théosophique, Art Nouveau building in 7th arrondissement, France
The Immeuble de la Société théosophique on Square Rapp is a stone and brick building with neo-gothic details and an impressive dome crowning the central hall. The interior holds a library, meeting rooms, and offices, with the fourth floor housing the Embassy of Costa Rica.
Built between 1912 and 1915 by architect Louis Lefranc, the building became the headquarters of the Theosophical Society in the early 20th century. Nazi forces seized it during World War II and took archives, with portions of these documents returning from Russia decades later.
The assembly hall with its dome served as a gathering place for thinkers and artists from across Europe who came to discuss philosophy and spiritual ideas. The library and rooms inside reflected the Theosophical Society's interest in bringing together people from different cultures.
The building sits near the Eiffel Tower and is easy to reach on foot, located in a lively neighborhood with cafes and shops all around. The exterior and facade are freely visible, but the interior is typically not open to casual visitors.
The Theosophical Society's archives were stored in the Soviet Union after Nazi forces took them, only returning to France in the 2000s. This return marked the end of a separation lasting nearly a century, making previously lost documents accessible once again.
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