Atelier 11 Restoration Project
Restore and protect a remarkable architectural and artistic heritage
In today’s constantly changing world, historical buildings and cultural spaces represent stability, identity, and social values. Bearing witness to the daily life of our ancestors, it is our collective responsibility to preserve these heritage treasures to ensure that they are passed onto future generations.
The Cité Falguière is a significant part of the historical and cultural heritage of the Parisian artistic scene. The last atelier of Cité Falguière's artist community, Atelier 11, represents an undeniable architectural heritage both on the street side and inside the courtyard. Built by artists for artists and bearing witness to their daily life throughout its 150-year history, the heritage value of this place must be preserved. Restoring Atelier 11, necessitates a return to the original purpose of the Cité Falguière. The renovation and creation of the International Arts Research Residency will make it possible for this heritage to be rejuvenated - a space for intercultural exchange as the legacy of the École de Paris.
Restoration and renovation works
To preserve the architectural heritage of this remarkable building and to continue the artistic legacy of Montparnasse within the contemporary culture, Associations L’AiR Arts and Cité Falguière have been coordinating an architectural project for the restoration and renovation of Atelier 11. In collaboration with local and international artists, cultural professionals and volunteers, the project is led by a cross-Atlantic collective of architects: heritage architects with the Fondation du Patrimoine (France), GH3 (Canada), and Studio Gang (USA/Paris Office).
Bursting with artistic and cultural heritage, Atelier 11 is in urgent need of an extensive restoration and renovation work. The painting by Chaïm Soutine, L’Atelier de l’artiste à la Cité Falguière, which depicts the facade of the Atelier in 1915-1916, shows that the exterior appearance today is close to the original. That painting will guide us to carefully restore the architectural facades of the Atelier.
Both exterior and interior spaces are in an unstable state, requiring a major overhaul of the three-floor structure:
Set to begin in 2023, the renovation will result in a multi-functional contemporary space that will preserve the essence of the quintessential artist studio of Montparnasse. A three-level space will include a communal work and gathering space, a multimedia art presentation space, a research library, and a living accommodation with fully equipped kitchen. To commemorate the legacy of the Atelier as a place for intercultural artistic exchange, the interior finishes will be referencing the origins of the atelier as a studio for sculpture production as well as its past artist residents and their influences: Italy, Japan, Eastern Europe, and, of course, France.
Recognition and Support
In August 2022, after more than 60 years since the community efforts to protect the Cité Falguière site were mobilized, the Atelier 11 cultural heritage project finally became institutionally recognized, receiving support from the Fondation du Patrimoine (French Heritage Foundation). The announcement was made in the presence of the Minister of Culture and Stéphane Bern, mentioning the Atelier 11 as the only project located in Paris among 100 historical properties across France to receive this award. The Heritage Foundation’s support will cover the restoration of the Atelier's exterior facades, preserving the architectural heritage of this remarkable building. Funding for the interior renovations and programming remain to be established.
In today’s constantly changing world, historical buildings and cultural spaces represent stability, identity, and social values. Bearing witness to the daily life of our ancestors, it is our collective responsibility to preserve these heritage treasures to ensure that they are passed onto future generations.
The Cité Falguière is a significant part of the historical and cultural heritage of the Parisian artistic scene. The last atelier of Cité Falguière's artist community, Atelier 11, represents an undeniable architectural heritage both on the street side and inside the courtyard. Built by artists for artists and bearing witness to their daily life throughout its 150-year history, the heritage value of this place must be preserved. Restoring Atelier 11, necessitates a return to the original purpose of the Cité Falguière. The renovation and creation of the International Arts Research Residency will make it possible for this heritage to be rejuvenated - a space for intercultural exchange as the legacy of the École de Paris.
Restoration and renovation works
To preserve the architectural heritage of this remarkable building and to continue the artistic legacy of Montparnasse within the contemporary culture, Associations L’AiR Arts and Cité Falguière have been coordinating an architectural project for the restoration and renovation of Atelier 11. In collaboration with local and international artists, cultural professionals and volunteers, the project is led by a cross-Atlantic collective of architects: heritage architects with the Fondation du Patrimoine (France), GH3 (Canada), and Studio Gang (USA/Paris Office).
Bursting with artistic and cultural heritage, Atelier 11 is in urgent need of an extensive restoration and renovation work. The painting by Chaïm Soutine, L’Atelier de l’artiste à la Cité Falguière, which depicts the facade of the Atelier in 1915-1916, shows that the exterior appearance today is close to the original. That painting will guide us to carefully restore the architectural facades of the Atelier.
Both exterior and interior spaces are in an unstable state, requiring a major overhaul of the three-floor structure:
- The glass roof and large windows facing the street and the courtyard, which date back to the time of construction in the mid 19th century, are deformed and have no thermal insulation. They need to be restored, replicated and replaced to preserve the original design.
- The main space of the Atelier, which is double height, and the current layout on three levels, will be preserved, while improving its functionality for both private and public activities.
- The staircases and the mezzanine floor would have to be adjusted and leveled, in coordination with the interior connections and exterior woodwork.
- All the interior fittings and finishing touches – painting, flooring, insulation, electricity, plumbing, and heating – need to be either fully replaced or upgraded.
Set to begin in 2023, the renovation will result in a multi-functional contemporary space that will preserve the essence of the quintessential artist studio of Montparnasse. A three-level space will include a communal work and gathering space, a multimedia art presentation space, a research library, and a living accommodation with fully equipped kitchen. To commemorate the legacy of the Atelier as a place for intercultural artistic exchange, the interior finishes will be referencing the origins of the atelier as a studio for sculpture production as well as its past artist residents and their influences: Italy, Japan, Eastern Europe, and, of course, France.
Recognition and Support
In August 2022, after more than 60 years since the community efforts to protect the Cité Falguière site were mobilized, the Atelier 11 cultural heritage project finally became institutionally recognized, receiving support from the Fondation du Patrimoine (French Heritage Foundation). The announcement was made in the presence of the Minister of Culture and Stéphane Bern, mentioning the Atelier 11 as the only project located in Paris among 100 historical properties across France to receive this award. The Heritage Foundation’s support will cover the restoration of the Atelier's exterior facades, preserving the architectural heritage of this remarkable building. Funding for the interior renovations and programming remain to be established.
With support from partners in France and around the world, we hope to restore the artistic spirit of this global arts community and to ensure its sustainability for generations to come. Everyone is invited to join our collective efforts of preserving, restoring and animating the living heritage of the École de Paris represented by the Atelier 11 Cité Falguière.
