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Le Corbusier's Bologna Pavilion Undergoes Restoration

architecture-design · 2026-05-04

Restoration efforts have commenced on Bologna's Padiglione de l'Esprit Nouveau, the last remaining replica of the pavilion created by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret for the 1925 Paris Exposition. This structure, reconstructed in 1977 by architects Giuliano Gresleri and Josè Oubrie, is owned by the local municipality and overseen by the Emilia-Romagna region. The restoration, slated for completion in October, will involve replacing glass, repairing awnings, restoring pathways, and repainting in Le Corbusier's original palette. The pavilion features a housing unit cell and a rotunda for theoretical exhibitions, with its post-reopening purpose yet to be determined. Initially constructed in three months by local firm Grandi Lavori for the SAIE construction fair, it has hosted various exhibitions, including Cristian Chironi's "My house is a Le Corbusier" in 2015 and the 2012 "Personal Effectsonsale" showcasing artists like Rä Di Martino and Sissi.

Key facts

  • Restoration of Padiglione de l'Esprit Nouveau in Bologna has started.
  • The pavilion is a replica of Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret's 1925 Paris Exposition building.
  • It was reconstructed in 1977 by architects Giuliano Gresleri and Josè Oubrie.
  • Work includes glass replacement, awning repairs, pathway restoration, and repainting.
  • Completion is expected by October, with inauguration at the end of October.
  • The pavilion's future use after restoration is not yet determined.
  • It was built in three months using prefabrication by Grandi Lavori.
  • It has hosted exhibitions during Artefiera Bologna, including shows by Cristian Chironi and others.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Padiglione de l'Esprit Nouveau
  • Comune di Bologna
  • Regione Emilia-Romagna
  • Grandi Lavori
  • SAIE
  • Artefiera Bologna
  • University of Bologna
  • Syracuse University
  • Art City Bologna
  • Arte Fiera
  • Live Arts Week
  • Xing
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Bologna
  • Italy
  • Paris
  • France

Sources