Grand Palais Éphémère: A Temporary Icon

Designed by Wilmotte & Associés, the Grand Palais Éphémère stands as a temporary architectural marvel on the Champ-de-Mars in Paris, serving as a venue for major art, fashion, and sporting events during the Grand Palais’s restoration.

Iconic Location and Purpose

Situated in front of the Ecole Militaire, aligning with the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais Éphémère embodies elegance and functionality. It serves as a venue for prestigious events such as the FIAC, Saut Hermès, Chanel fashion shows, and the 2024 Paris Olympics judo and wrestling competitions.

Architectural Design

With a main nave spanning 51m in breadth and 33m in depth, the Grand Palais Éphémère boasts a monumental yet uninterrupted space, devoid of structural elements. Its assembly of 44 arches, covered with opaque PVC on the roof and transparent ETFE on the exterior, ensures optimal lighting and aesthetic harmony.

Integration into Historical Context

The Grand Palais Éphémère seamlessly integrates with the Champ-de-Mars’s rich heritage, drawing inspiration from the site’s history of Universal Exhibitions. Its curved design mirrors the Eiffel Tower’s silhouette, while its modular structure allows for quick assembly and disassembly, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding landscape.

Modular and Sustainable Construction

Crafted from 1,500 m3 of European spruce, the building’s wooden structure is not only modular and reusable but also environmentally sustainable. Designed for efficient transport and minimal on-site assembly time, it exemplifies circular bio-sourced construction, utilizing renewable resources from sustainably managed forests.

Environmental Responsibility

The Grand Palais Éphémère’s structural arches minimize wood usage while maximizing volume, reducing energy consumption. Its dual skin provides acoustic, thermal, and ventilating properties, ensuring energy efficiency and environmental sustainability throughout its temporary tenure.

In essence, the Grand Palais Éphémère transcends its temporary nature, embodying architectural excellence, environmental responsibility, and historical significance on the iconic Champ-de-Mars in Paris.