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Paris Heritage Group Fights New Glass Pavilion for National Assembly

architecture-design · 2026-08-10

A contentious plan to replace the iconic reception pavilion of the French National Assembly with a modern glass and steel design has ignited debate in Paris. The heritage group Sites et Monuments has initiated a petition titled "Non à l'enlaidissement de Paris par l'Assemblée nationale," which has amassed over 131,000 signatures. Announced in June 2025 by Yaël Braun-Pivet, the initiative seeks to improve visitor capacity and accessibility. The current pavilion, constructed in 1888 by architect Edmond de Joly, is located near the Palais Bourbon. Opponents claim the new design threatens the site's character and raises energy issues. Architect Alain Moatti argues that the design will maintain the current size and incorporate underground expansion. The discussion around modern alterations to historic landmarks persists.

Key facts

  • The heritage association Sites et Monuments opposes the new pavilion for the French National Assembly.
  • The petition 'Non à l'enlaidissement de Paris par l'Assemblée nationale' has over 131,000 signatures.
  • The project 'L'à venir' was announced in June 2025 by Yaël Braun-Pivet.
  • The current pavilion was built in 1888 by Edmond de Joly.
  • The new pavilion will be made of glass and steel, with 600 m2 and 8 meters high.
  • The underground levels will cover 3,400 m2.
  • The Paris City Council modified urban planning rules on July 18 to allow the project.
  • Architect Alain Moatti of Moatti-Rivière agency designed the new pavilion.
  • The new building will reuse stone from the existing pavilion for its colonnettes.
  • The project aims to improve accessibility and visitor capacity.
  • The controversy is part of a broader debate on contemporary additions to historic monuments.
  • Examples of successful contemporary additions include the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg.
  • The contemporary spire for Notre-Dame de Paris was abandoned in 2019.
  • Claire Tabouret's stained glass windows for Notre-Dame also sparked controversy.

Entities

Artists

  • Edmond de Joly
  • Alain Moatti
  • Herzog & de Meuron
  • Kengo Kuma
  • Claire Tabouret

Institutions

  • Sites et Monuments
  • Assemblée nationale
  • Palais Bourbon
  • Mairie de Paris
  • Moatti-Rivière
  • Connaissance des Arts
  • RMC

Locations

  • Paris
  • France
  • Hambourg
  • Allemagne
  • Angers
  • Versailles

Sources