Église Notre-Dame-des-Otages, Art Deco church in 20th arrondissement, Paris, France.
Église Notre-Dame-des-Otages is a parish church in the 20th arrondissement completed in 1938 with Art Deco design. The building features smooth curves, geometric patterns, and metal-trimmed details throughout, with reinforced concrete construction allowing for open interior volumes without heavy support columns.
Construction was completed in 1938 during the interwar period when Art Deco shaped much of Paris's architectural landscape. The decision to design a modern church reflected broader changes in religious architecture following World War I.
The name references a historical tragedy that shaped the church's identity and purpose. Today, visitors experience how the building serves as a neighborhood gathering place where modern design and religious function meet naturally.
The church is accessible by public transportation with nearby metro and bus connections to the 20th arrondissement. Visitors can enter during regular opening hours to view the interior, though the space is actively used for worship so it is best to check service times before planning a visit.
The structure used reinforced concrete, a relatively new technology at the time, allowing architects to design churches without the thick stone pillars required in traditional buildings. This technical choice created bright, open spaces that contrasted sharply with the heavy ornamental interiors of earlier religious structures.
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