11 cité Malesherbes, Paris

11 cité Malesherbes is a building with a striking façade made of polychrome ceramic and enameled lava, decorated with neo-Renaissance pilasters, scrolls, and ornamental candelabras. The façade features six panels depicting biblical scenes positioned beneath the second-floor windows.

Architect Anatole Jal designed this building in 1856 for painter Pierre-Jules Jollivet, who realized an artistic vision using religious themes. The enameled lava was specifically employed for this residential project, making it an example of artistic housing in the 19th century.

The building displays religious scenes from the Bible on its enameled lava panels, which have remained visible on the façade since they were installed in the 1850s.

The building stands on a private street between rue des Martyrs and rue Victor Massé, most easily reached from Pigalle metro station on lines 2 and 12. The street is accessible to the public, but it is small and quiet, so a brief daytime visit works best.

The enameled lava panels with religious scenes were originally intended for Saint-Vincent-de-Paul church but were repurposed for this private residence after religious objections arose. This unusual redirection of a church art project to a residential building makes the façade a rare example of religious art in urban housing.

Location: 9th arrondissement of Paris

GPS coordinates: 48.88092,2.33917

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:29