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Fondation Cartier Opens Jean Nouvel–Designed Home Facing the Louvre

The larger site introduces reconfigurable galleries to show far more of its 4,500-work collection.

Overview

  • The new venue at 2 place du Palais‑Royal opens to the public on October 25 with 8,500 m² accessible, including 6,500 m² for exhibitions.
  • The inaugural show, Exposition générale, presents roughly 600 works by about 100 artists drawn from the foundation’s holdings.
  • Jean Nouvel’s design centers on five movable steel platforms and modular glazing that vary volume and daylight, with each platform spanning about 250 m² and weighing 250 tonnes.
  • Backed by Cartier parent Richemont, the €230 million project positions the institution to tap nearby Louvre visitor flows to raise attendance, according to director Chris Dercon.
  • The complex adds an auditorium, education space, bookstore and restaurant, replacing the smaller Raspail site that struggled with blockbuster crowds.