The action plan
A setting for the most high-profile events that each year draw a broad public, the Grand Palais still has a rich potential. In 2008, a major programme to develop and embellish the building was launched to restore and enhance the building, open new areas and improve visitor facilities.
In 2008 the administrative body EPGPCE (Établissement public du Grand Palais) launched a vast programme to develop and enhance the building. The project would cost 40 million euros.
Substantial work was undertaken, without disrupting public access to events staged in the Grand Palais.
The ambition of the new programme, unveiled in January 2008, was to make the Grand Palais into an international benchmark heritage site open to the widest possible audience.
Since 2008, the following phases have been completed:
- restoration and enhancement of areas such as the south facade (Cours-la-Reine side) completing the restoration work on the building's outside walls.
- renovated areas such as the 104-seater projection room have been opened to the public. This facility will be used for private screenings and lecture/debates such as the popular "Tuesdays in the Grand Palais" cycle and artist performances.
- an improvement of visitor facilities with a new Web site that went on line in June 2008, and interior signage in the Nave peristyle, the main entrance from avenue Winston-Churchill.
Substantial work was undertaken, without disrupting public access to events staged in the Grand Palais.
The ambition of the new programme, unveiled in January 2008, was to make the Grand Palais into an international benchmark heritage site open to the widest possible audience.
Since 2008, the following phases have been completed:
- restoration and enhancement of areas such as the south facade (Cours-la-Reine side) completing the restoration work on the building's outside walls.
- renovated areas such as the 104-seater projection room have been opened to the public. This facility will be used for private screenings and lecture/debates such as the popular "Tuesdays in the Grand Palais" cycle and artist performances.
- an improvement of visitor facilities with a new Web site that went on line in June 2008, and interior signage in the Nave peristyle, the main entrance from avenue Winston-Churchill.
Press conference of March 12 2009. The first hammer blows in the bricked-up doorway separating the Nave from the former salon d'honneur. © Collection Grand Palais, François Tomasi
At a press conference on March 12 2009, the President of the Grand Palais presented the new facilities that were due to be developed as part of the 2008/2011 action plan. These facilities will be designed to offer businesses a choice of highly equipped areas to meet different needs such as conventions and receptions.
- The VIP lounge: this project is emblematic of the rebirth of the Grand Palais. Located in the heart of the building, this magnificent area, offering 1,200 m2 of floor space, roofed over with glass, is a well-kept secret. On March 12 2009, the VIP lounged (the former "salon d'honneur") once again became directly accessible from the Nave. This marked the start of the restoration and development work, with opening targeted in 2011.
- The VIP lounge: this project is emblematic of the rebirth of the Grand Palais. Located in the heart of the building, this magnificent area, offering 1,200 m2 of floor space, roofed over with glass, is a well-kept secret. On March 12 2009, the VIP lounged (the former "salon d'honneur") once again became directly accessible from the Nave. This marked the start of the restoration and development work, with opening targeted in 2011.
Press conference of March 12 2009. The south-east gallery: 700 m2 (7,500 sq. ft.) of floor space ready for restoration. © Collection Grand Palais, François Tomasi
- The South-east Gallery: with 700 m2 of floor space and a glass ceiling 11 metres above ground, the South-east Gallery is an outstanding facility in the heart of Paris with tremendous potential for commercial development. From March 27 to May 3 2009, while it awaited restoration for its new vocation as an event and exhibition venue, it hosted the TAG at the Grand Palais show.
- The Alexandre-III rotunda: this fine area on Cours-la-Reine provides in particular access to the restaurant and the Grand Palais projection room and offers a direct access to the Nave. Soon to be restored it will welcome visitors with opening scheduled for 2010.
- The Queen's rotunda: also located on Cours-la-Reine, this will be a magnificent reception area reserved for partners of the Grand Palais.
- The loggia and coachman's passage will also be restored and developed.
In February 2009, EPGPCE launched an architectural contest to design new visitor circulation through the Grand Palais. The winner will be decided by a jury.
A wide range of new facilities to provide access for the disabled are to be developed. Studies have been undertaken since 2008 to provide suitable access (lifts, access ramps, etc) that are to be installed from the end of 2010. This is an imperative for the Grand Palais which, in autumn 2010, will be hosting the World Fencing Championship with events being staged concurrently by both the International Fencing (FIE) and Handisport Federations.
- The Alexandre-III rotunda: this fine area on Cours-la-Reine provides in particular access to the restaurant and the Grand Palais projection room and offers a direct access to the Nave. Soon to be restored it will welcome visitors with opening scheduled for 2010.
- The Queen's rotunda: also located on Cours-la-Reine, this will be a magnificent reception area reserved for partners of the Grand Palais.
- The loggia and coachman's passage will also be restored and developed.
In February 2009, EPGPCE launched an architectural contest to design new visitor circulation through the Grand Palais. The winner will be decided by a jury.
A wide range of new facilities to provide access for the disabled are to be developed. Studies have been undertaken since 2008 to provide suitable access (lifts, access ramps, etc) that are to be installed from the end of 2010. This is an imperative for the Grand Palais which, in autumn 2010, will be hosting the World Fencing Championship with events being staged concurrently by both the International Fencing (FIE) and Handisport Federations.
