Ecole Karl Marx

The Ecole Karl Marx is a school complex in Villejuif with multiple pavilions of exposed concrete and flat roofs. Dark red-painted metal window frames mark the facades, and the layout functions as interconnected buildings forming a unified educational campus.

The school was built between 1932 and 1933 by architect André Lurçat. It originally carried the name Jean-Jaurès before being renamed to its current designation.

The building embodies 1930s modernism through its plain forms and shows how progressive architects of that era reimagined school design. The shapes and materials reveal a priority on function and clarity over decoration.

The site is located on Avenue Karl Marx in Villejuif and is clearly visible from the street. Keep in mind this is an active school, so access to certain areas may be restricted during regular hours.

The building received historical monument status in 1975 and was upgraded to a higher protection level in 1996, underscoring its architectural significance. This makes it a rare example of early French functionalism that gained official recognition.