Palais de Tokyo's Renovation Plan Sparks Dispute with La Générale Over Paris Space
In Paris, the Palais de Tokyo, a prominent center for contemporary art, is set to move its offices into areas currently held by La Générale in the XIV arrondissement. This situation has led La Générale to request the City of Paris to extend its lease. Since 2002, the Palais has been based in a 1937 Art Deco building, which has experienced closures during heatwaves. Renovations costing $50 million are scheduled to begin in July 2027 and will last for 18 months. La Générale, which facilitates 150 artist residencies each year, has yet to secure a new location and has been told by Mayor Carine Petit that its lease will not be renewed. The Palais is evaluating the site's potential and is willing to engage in discussions with La Générale.
Key facts
- Palais de Tokyo plans 18-month renovation from July 2027, costing around $50 million.
- The museum seeks to move its offices into La Générale's current space in the XIV arrondissement town hall.
- La Générale's lease expires on December 31, and the collective has launched a petition to renew it.
- Carine Petit, mayor of the XIV arrondissement, says the collective was warned the lease would not be renewed.
- Palais de Tokyo has occupied the 1937 Universal Exhibition building since 2002.
- Heatwaves in Paris have repeatedly forced the museum to close.
- La Générale supports about 150 artist residencies per year and organizes various cultural events.
- La Générale is part of the Actes If network of 38 independent cultural venues in Île-de-France.
Entities
Institutions
- Palais de Tokyo
- La Générale
- City of Paris
- Libération
- Actes If
Locations
- Paris
- France
- XIV arrondissement
- Belleville
- XI arrondissement
- Île-de-France
Sources
- Artslife —