Exposition “Hector Guimard, architectures parisiennes” in Paris from 20 Sept to 20 Dec.
This year, Paris pays tribute to architect Hector Guimard (1867-1942), a leading figure of Art Nouveau in France. In collaboration with the Cercle Guimard, the Archives de Paris are hosting an exhibition featuring original documents from their collections, including architectural plans, photographs, and more. The exhibition showcases Guimard’s Parisian career through a selection of buildings he designed, highlighting his unique architectural style.
At the initiative of Karen Taïeb, Deputy Mayor of Paris for Heritage, the city will honor architect Hector Guimard (1867-1942) in 2024. As a prominent figure of Art Nouveau in France, Guimard played a crucial role in shaping the city’s international image.
The Archives de Paris have partnered with the Cercle Guimard to present an exhibition that chronicles the architect’s career through his Parisian works, from his early designs to the iconic entrances of the Paris Métro.
Visitors can explore original plans, photographs, postcards, archival documents, and various artifacts that highlight Guimard’s distinctive style, offering a chance to rediscover some of his now-lost buildings. Among the featured works is the Mezzara Hotel, constructed by Guimard in 1910. For several years, the Cercle Guimard has advocated for the establishment of a museum and cultural center within this exceptional hôtel particulier, which still houses its original furnishings.
Hector Guimard: Parisian Architectures will be on display in the main hall of the Archives de Paris from Friday, September 20, to Saturday, December 21, 2024. Admission is free from Tuesday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with special openings on Saturdays, including September 28, October 5 and 19, November 9 and 23, and December 7 and 21, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
As said, this year, Paris shines a spotlight on Hector Guimard (1867-1942), one of the foremost figures of Art Nouveau in France. The Archives de Paris, in collaboration with the Cercle Guimard, are proud to present a unique exhibition featuring original documents from their extensive collections. Visitors can look forward to exploring a rich array of architectural plans, photographs, and more, all showcasing Guimard’s remarkable career in the city.
The exhibition highlights a selection of buildings designed by Guimard, including the stunning Mezzara Hotel, which he completed in 1910. In addition, the Cercle Guimard has long advocated for the establishment of a museum within this exceptional hôtel particulier, which retains its original furnishings and serves as a cultural and tourist hub.
The exhibition will take place at the Archives départementales et communales de Paris, located at 18 boulevard Sérurier, 75019 Paris. For over two centuries, the Archives de Paris has been dedicated to collecting, preserving, and showcasing documents of historical interest related to the city and its former department. The archives, housed in a purpose-built facility designed by architects Henri and Bruno Gaudin, feature 27 storage areas filled with original documents primarily concerning the history, population, and urban development of Paris in the 19th and 20th centuries. The facility also includes a reading room with 60 seats for consulting originals, as well as 33 seats for microfilmed and digitized archives.
Visitors can access the location via Metro Line 11 and 3bis or Tram T3b at Porte des Lilas. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Hector Guimard and discover the beauty of his architectural contributions to Paris.
Archives de Paris – Salle de lecture et bibliothèque
Constructed in 1989 by architects Henri and Bruno Gaudin, the Archives de Paris building plays with a sense of ambiguity through its seemingly false symmetry. The two archive silos positioned at the rear emphasize the verticality of the structure, serving as distinctive landmarks in the landscape. Their façade, made of washed gravel, is compact and features a series of small openings. In contrast, the front of the building houses several public areas, including a reading room, all designed with complex geometric shapes.
An important focus of the Archives de Paris is the interplay of interior light, as Henri Gaudin once stated, “To create architecture is to shape varied spaces by manipulating light in a thousand ways.” This facility holds the territorial archives of the city and department of Paris, as well as the archives of decentralized state services in Paris and Île-de-France, along with private archives.
If you have the chance, it is a great place to visit at any time of the year, even when the Hector Guimard will have ended. Reading Room Opening Hours: Monday from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Tuesday to Friday from 9.30 to 17.30, and Saturday from 9.30 to 17.00.
For more on architect Henri Gaudin, consider exploring the Charléty Stadium, the Guimet Museum, the Sonia Delaunay College, and the social housing on Rue de Ménilmontant.
Note: This exhibition is independently organized by the Archives de Paris and is not affiliated with the National Archives.
For further information, please contact the Archives de Paris directly at:
Phone: 01 53 72 41 23
Visitor Information:
Free admission from Tuesday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Special Saturday openings on: September 28, October 5 and 19, November 9 and 23, December 7 and 21, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.