Tadao Ando redesigns Paris’ Bourse de Commerce
Japanese designer Tadao Ando restored and redesigned the iconic Paris’ Bourse de Commerce that will finally reopen to the public.




Japanese designer Tadao Ando restored and redesigned the iconic Paris’ Bourse de Commerce that will finally reopen to the public.
A quick recap about the Bourse de Commerce: it came to life in 1767 and in 1885 it became a stock exchange. One year later Henri Blondel initiated the first key renovation – he adorned the place with Corinthian columns and an external façade.
The renovation took three years to be completed and was commissioned by François Pinault. Founder of luxury group Kering wanted to show 5,000 of his artworks.
Commodities Exchange building dates back to the 18th century. Ando was given the task to preserve the antique design while turning it into an art museum, where you will find: a meditation space, a sound studio, an auditorium, a reception and 10 exhibition areas.
For the Japanese architect, Paris is the “city of symmetry”. He reflected his view of the capital by incorporating to the rotunda a concrete structure that is nine-meter tall and 29-meter-wide.
Another addition was a staircase that invites the visitors to get a closer look at the ceiling and 19th century paintings. Once visitors are done discovering the murals, they can come down the stairs and enter a big exhibition area. The auditorium can fill up to 284 seated visitors and the basement is complemented by a new studio.
Visitors can end their artistic voyage by dining at the restaurant found on the 3rd level of the building, where they can observe the city. As for the furnishing, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec added a touch of wrought iron and metal benches to compliment the concrete structure.
- date publishedJune 24, 2021
- categoryArchitecture
- original sourceDezeen↗