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The Nave

A major centre in the cultural and social life of the French capital for over a century, the Nave is emblematic of the Grand Palais, a landmark standing out at night against the Paris skyline. With Europe's biggest glass roof, entirely restored, the Nave is the last remaining testimony to the glass palaces erected in the nineteenth century for international exhibitions.
See the media:The Nave offers 145,000 sq. ft. of floor space
Dream the dream! The Nave offers 145,000 sq. ft. of floor space under Europe's biggest glass roof. © Coll. Grand Palais / François Tomasi

Outstanding architecture

The work of architect Henri Deglane, the Nave of the Grand Palais is an architectural achievement that never ceases to fascinate and enthral visitors when they cross the monumental threshold. Listed as a historic monument since 1975, the Nave was fully restored between 2001 and 2005.
 
With its prestigious architecture and vast, completely unimpeded interior volume, the Nave offers 145,000 sq.ft.of floor space of which 85,600 sq. ft. are available for use today. The whole area will be in use by 2010.
 
This immense area offers countless possibilities to the most ambitious and demanding architects, interior designers and scenographers, with the proviso that all temporary installations must comply with the requirements of a listed historic monument.
 
The Grand Palais has many ongoing projects to improve visitor comfort and technology: increased capacity, installation of a temperature control system, introduction of more efficient equipment and services, notably for the disabled.
 
Floor space: 13,500 m2
Maximum current visitor capacity: 6,300

Forward-looking

The Nave of the Grand Palais has, since its inception, always been associated with prestige and the avant-garde. It is an international reference venue where contemporary creativity and innovation have always flourished.
 
The Nave of the Grand Palais has hosted countless events, from art Salons to the first car and air shows, from show jumping to catwalk presentations by the stars of couture. Since it was reopened in 2005, it has been the venue for many events, exhibitions, shows, performances and private functions.