
Pathé Palace
Pathé Palace
Key facts
Location
France, ParisProject owner
Pathé
Project management
Artelia
Architect
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Delivery
May 2024
Between heritage and cultural renewal
Since opening in 1927 under the name Paramount, this iconic cinema on Boulevard des Capucines has established itself as a symbol of elegance and cinematic innovation, once considered the most beautiful in Europe. Over the decades, the building has evolved without ever losing its architectural identity, becoming today's Pathé Palace, a major cultural venue in the heart of the capital.
The renovation project aimed to fully reveal the heritage and contemporary potential of this exceptional Haussmann-style building, combining historical conservation, modern uses, and technical performance. The ambition was twofold: to restore the remarkable architectural elements listed as Historic Monuments
— facades, rotunda, dome — while creating a new generation of cinema equipment.
Beyond a simple renovation, the project redefined the building as a truly vibrant, open, bright, and attractive space, combining heritage, innovation, and architectural excellence.
The Pathé Palace is thus opening a new chapter in its history, reinforcing its role as an iconic cultural destination for Parisians, visitors, and film enthusiasts.
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Key figures
- 6 000
- m³ of demolished concrete
- 1 200
- m² of suspended glass roof
A technical feat in the service of
reinvented architecture
The transformation of the Pathé Palace was a major restructuring project involving significant technical challenges. The project required the demolition of nearly 6,000 m³ of concrete while preserving the existing structure, thanks to the implementation of a complex structural solution based on the creation of three levels of suspended floors starting from the fifth floor. This configuration made it possible to preserve the historic volumes while integrating new features, forming a unique mixed-use structure.
The restoration of the heritage elements, dome, rotunda, and facades, was a particularly demanding challenge, requiring specialized expertise to respect the architectural authenticity while meeting contemporary safety and comfort standards.
One of the most spectacular achievements is the skylight designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop: an inverted pyramid topped by a 1,200 m² suspended glass roof. This technical feat brings generous natural light into the heart of the building and is now one of the architectural hallmarks of the venue.
Thanks to this unique renovation, the Pathé Palace is now established as a high-end cultural facility dedicated to the art of cinema.
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Gallery
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