Inside the building

The architects have chosen to treat the interior spaces as an extension of the exterior, through the use of glass facades. Thanks to large picture windows, the main nave will be visible from the garden. On entering the forum, visitors will find the admissions area, bookshop, documentary resource centre on modern and contemporary art, and group desk, as well as the box office, cloakroom and toilets.

Ground floor map © CA2M / Shigeru Ban Architects Europe & Jean de Gastines
Please click to enlarge!

From the forum, the visitor’s eye is drawn to the huge nave where the largest and most exceptional works of art will be displayed. Covering 1,200 m2, this area will provide outstanding flexibility and freedom of expression, with the ceiling rising progressively from a height of 5.70 to 18 metres.

Directly accessible from the forum will be the auditorium (seating 144) and the creative studio, a multi-purpose circular building that can may also house exhibitions and shows for up to 200 spectators.

A 70m² café will also be located on the ground floor, extending into the garden. From the café, visitors may reach the restaurant located on the roof of the creative studio, 7 metres above ground level. Offering seating for 100 people, this restaurant will be particularly relaxing thanks to a large South-facing balcony overlooking the garden.