École du Sacré-Cœur

The École du Sacré-Cœur is a school building with Art Nouveau elements in the 16th arrondissement, designed by architect Hector Guimard with flowing facades and decorative details. The facade displays ornate ironwork railings, decorative rooflines, and colored embellishments characteristic of his design approach.

The building was constructed in 1895 as a school and residential complex for a religious community. It received protected monument status in 1983, safeguarding the main facade, roof, former playground ceiling, and interior staircase.

The building shows how religious schools around 1900 in Paris combined teaching and housing in the same place. The spaces reflect the modern educational ideas and Christian community life of that era.

The building is located on avenue La-Frillière and is partially damaged but carefully maintained. Since it holds protected status, access may be limited, so it is advisable to check possibilities before visiting.

The interior staircase railings feature elaborate ironwork that shows Guimard's experimental approach to modern design, departing notably from conventional French school architecture. This detail often goes unnoticed, yet it represents one of the finest surviving examples of his innovative work.

Location: 16th arrondissement of Paris

Inception: 1895

Architects: Hector Guimard

Architectural style: Art Nouveau architecture

GPS coordinates: 48.84049,2.26055

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:29