Reviving architectural & artistic heritage of Cité Falguière
A home to many groundbreaking artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Gauguin, Foujita, Brancusi, Modigliani, and Soutine, the Cité Falguière is a significant part of cultural heritage of the Parisian artistic scene whose global significance is vital to understanding both art’s history and its living practice. The last surviving atelier of Cité Falguière, Atelier 11, is an undeniable piece of architectural heritage, both on its primary façades and in its interior features. A historic site built by artists for artists, Atelier 11 witnessed more than 150 years of their daily lives without undergoing any major renovation since its construction in the 1870s. It represents an iconic and irreplaceable living testimony of the artistic atelier evolving throughout three centuries.
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 the rehabilitation project of Atelier 11 that is in urgent need of an extensive restoration and renovation work. Echoing the destroyed community of ateliers, the project aims to protect, restore and amplify the long-standing architectural and artistic heritage of Cité Falguière. The renovation will allow Atelier 11 to continue welcoming artists and cultural professionals as an International Arts Research Residency, promoting the legacy of Cité Falguière and reviving the inclusive spirit of the École de Paris.
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 the rehabilitation project of Atelier 11 that is in urgent need of an extensive restoration and renovation work. Echoing the destroyed community of ateliers, the project aims to protect, restore and amplify the long-standing architectural and artistic heritage of Cité Falguière. The renovation will allow Atelier 11 to continue welcoming artists and cultural professionals as an International Arts Research Residency, promoting the legacy of Cité Falguière and reviving the inclusive spirit of the École de Paris.
Archival photograph, featuring destroyed ateliers of Cité Falguière
(archive Jacques Mauve) |
Atelier 11 communal work space with two living studios above - les ateliers dans l'Atelier (architectural renderings by gh3)
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Restoration and renovation works
Bursting with artistic and cultural heritage, both exterior and interior spaces are in an unstable state, requiring a major overhaul of the three-level structure:
Set to begin in 2024, 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 two private living studios, a communal work and gathering space with fully equipped kitchen, a multimedia art presentation space, and a research library. 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.
Bursting with artistic and cultural heritage, both exterior and interior spaces are in an unstable state, requiring a major overhaul of the three-level structure:
- 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.
- 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. The window elements need to be restored, or replicated / 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 2024, 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 two private living studios, a communal work and gathering space with fully equipped kitchen, a multimedia art presentation space, and a research library. 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.
Animation and renderings by gh3*
Transatlantic Collective of Architects
Reflecting the inclusive spirit of the Cité Falguière, the project is being developed in collaboration with local and international artists, cultural professionals and volunteers, and led by a transatlantic collective of internationally renowned architects. The artists' needs for interior renovations were translated into a preliminary concept by the Canadian firm gh3*. The French firm TNT Architecture develops the PRO phase of the project and is responsible for its project management. Heritage architect Jean-Louis Martinot-Lagarde, delegated by the Fondation du Patrimoine, provides advice for the restoration of the facades. The Paris branch of the American firm Studio Gang and French architecture and design firm FREAKS provide expertise as artistic advisors. Together, they interpreted the preservation of architectural heritage and the needs of artists in a project that will bring the historical artist studio into current environmental and artistic realities.
Recognition and Support
In 2022, after 60 years of community effort, Atelier 11 was selected by the Mission Patrimoine, receiving its first institutional recognition. Operated by the Fondation du Patrimoine (France's Heritage Foundation) and led by Stéphane Bern with the support of the French Ministry of Culture and La Française des Jeux, the project was awarded with a grant for the restoration of the atelier’s façades. Subsequently, in November 2023, the Île-de-France Region awarded Atelier 11 the Label Patrimoine d'intérêt régional. A heritage label bestowed upon sites with significant architectural and historical value, it was supplemented by grant to support the restoration of the site.This support the restoration of the Atelier's exterior facades, preserving the architectural heritage of this remarkable building. Funding for the interior renovations and artistic programming remain to be established.
Launch of Calls for Donations and Partnerships
This project offers opportunities for everyone to get involved in a meaningful and rewarding way, supporting Atelier 11 by contributing to its patrimonial, architectural and/or artistic aspects. In October 2023, Fondation du Patrimoine has launched «la collecte» on their signature crowdfunding platform to support the rehabilitation project of Atelier 11 Cité Falguière. It is followed by a global call for partnerships to allow local and international academic and cultural institutions to take part in this unique initiative by co-curating residencies and cultural programs for their candidates at Atelier 11 in Paris. Private and corporate patrons worldwide are also invited to support the Atelier 11 residency depending on their interest and sector of activity. This collective effort in the continuity of the 150-year history, will allow to preserve Atelier 11 and its living heritage for the generations to come while keeping its physical doors and virtual windows open to a broader community.
Media Coverage
Reflecting the inclusive spirit of the Cité Falguière, the project is being developed in collaboration with local and international artists, cultural professionals and volunteers, and led by a transatlantic collective of internationally renowned architects. The artists' needs for interior renovations were translated into a preliminary concept by the Canadian firm gh3*. The French firm TNT Architecture develops the PRO phase of the project and is responsible for its project management. Heritage architect Jean-Louis Martinot-Lagarde, delegated by the Fondation du Patrimoine, provides advice for the restoration of the facades. The Paris branch of the American firm Studio Gang and French architecture and design firm FREAKS provide expertise as artistic advisors. Together, they interpreted the preservation of architectural heritage and the needs of artists in a project that will bring the historical artist studio into current environmental and artistic realities.
Recognition and Support
In 2022, after 60 years of community effort, Atelier 11 was selected by the Mission Patrimoine, receiving its first institutional recognition. Operated by the Fondation du Patrimoine (France's Heritage Foundation) and led by Stéphane Bern with the support of the French Ministry of Culture and La Française des Jeux, the project was awarded with a grant for the restoration of the atelier’s façades. Subsequently, in November 2023, the Île-de-France Region awarded Atelier 11 the Label Patrimoine d'intérêt régional. A heritage label bestowed upon sites with significant architectural and historical value, it was supplemented by grant to support the restoration of the site.This support the restoration of the Atelier's exterior facades, preserving the architectural heritage of this remarkable building. Funding for the interior renovations and artistic programming remain to be established.
Launch of Calls for Donations and Partnerships
This project offers opportunities for everyone to get involved in a meaningful and rewarding way, supporting Atelier 11 by contributing to its patrimonial, architectural and/or artistic aspects. In October 2023, Fondation du Patrimoine has launched «la collecte» on their signature crowdfunding platform to support the rehabilitation project of Atelier 11 Cité Falguière. It is followed by a global call for partnerships to allow local and international academic and cultural institutions to take part in this unique initiative by co-curating residencies and cultural programs for their candidates at Atelier 11 in Paris. Private and corporate patrons worldwide are also invited to support the Atelier 11 residency depending on their interest and sector of activity. This collective effort in the continuity of the 150-year history, will allow to preserve Atelier 11 and its living heritage for the generations to come while keeping its physical doors and virtual windows open to a broader community.
Media Coverage
