The Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art has officially relocated to a prestigious new location at 2 Place du Palais-Royal in Paris, directly facing the Louvre Museum. The renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, winner of the 2008 Pritzker Prize, has designed the foundation's new home within a historic building in the heart of the French capital.
The foundation completed its move on October 25, 2025, leaving its previous location on Boulevard Raspail where it had been housed since 1994. Interestingly, Nouvel was also the architect behind the original Boulevard Raspail building, which featured his signature glass and steel structure design. Now, he has taken on the challenge of reimagining the foundation's presence in this new historic setting.
Nouvel's latest architectural achievement delivers what he describes as a "dynamic" design that carefully preserves the building's historic facade while completely reimagining the interior spaces. The architect, known for his innovative approach to blending modern functionality with existing structures, has created flexible and adaptable exhibition spaces equipped with steel platforms that specifically address the museum's operational needs.
The project represents another significant addition to Nouvel's impressive portfolio of cultural and architectural landmarks. His previous notable works include the iconic Arab World Institute in Paris (1987), Barcelona's distinctive Agbar Tower (2003), the Quai Branly Museum in Paris (2006), and the Paris Philharmonic (2015). Each of these projects demonstrates his ability to create bold, contemporary designs that respond to their specific cultural and urban contexts.
The new location at Place du Palais-Royal positions the Cartier Foundation in one of Paris's most culturally significant areas, surrounded by historic institutions and directly across from the world's most visited museum. This strategic placement is expected to enhance the foundation's visibility and accessibility to both local and international visitors interested in contemporary art.
The interior renovation showcases Nouvel's commitment to creating spaces that can adapt to the evolving needs of contemporary art exhibitions. The modular design allows for various configurations, enabling curators to present works of different scales and mediums effectively. The steel platform system provides both structural support and aesthetic continuity throughout the exhibition spaces.
