The French capital is famous for its elegant 19th-century Haussmann buildings, which give the city its remarkably holistic appearance and charm. However, lovers of more contemporary design will also find plenty of modern architecture in Paris. We've rounded up some of the most beautiful buildings, all of which are well worth a visit - or just a photo while you're out and about in Paris.
LOUIS VUITTON FOUNDATION
Completed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry in 2014, the Fondation Louis Vuitton stands next to the Jardin d'Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne, a huge park to the west of Paris. An art museum and cultural centre sponsored by the French fashion brand, it evokes the tradition of 19th-century glass garden buildings, but with a spectacularly modern twist. Nicknamed the 'icebergs', its white concrete blocks are surrounded by twelve sails of glass and wood that rise above a minimal body of water. The play of light and reflections makes for superb photos.
MUSÉE DU QUAI BRANLY
The Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac is a great place for families to have fun and discover the modern architecture of Paris. It was designed by Jean Nouvel in 2006 to house a collection celebrating the arts and civilisations of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. Perched on stilts near the banks of the Seine, this bold five-storey contemporary structure resembles a long walkway. Suspended multicoloured 'boxes' provide a more intimate exhibition space. To reach the museum, visitors cross a hilly garden designed by Gilles Clément; the living plant wall is the work of French botanist Patrick Blanc and includes around 15,000 plants of 150 species.
CENTRE POMPIDOU
Can you imagine a building upside down? The Centre Pompidou is exactly that, an art gallery that allows outsiders to see its inner workings. An emblematic example of modern architecture in Paris, this marvel of glass and metal built in 1977 by the British architect Richard Rogers and the Italian architect Renzo Piano is still as fascinating as ever. Spread over ten floors and dedicated to contemporary art, it resembles a "heart fed by monumental arteries in bright primary colours", which enliven its façade and shape its structure. Blue is for air conditioning, yellow for electricity, green for water and red for pedestrian traffic. Take the transparent tube of the "caterpillar" escalator to the top to admire the impressive square below and the roofs of Paris.
LOUVRE PYRAMID
Modern architecture in Paris couldn't be more controversial than the Louvre Pyramid, once considered a folly but now a popular Paris landmark. Unveiled in 1988 by the late Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei, this glass and metal pyramid was conceived as a new main entrance to the historic art museum. Located in the heart of the former Napoleon courtyard, it leads to an underground reception area. The translucent pyramid above brings natural light to this underground expansion and is surrounded by three smaller pyramids. Its modernist Egyptian form contrasts brilliantly with the surrounding French Renaissance architecture.
INSTITUT DU MONDE ARABE
It's hard not to stop and stare when you see remarkable modern architecture in Paris. A delightful symbol of contemporary creativity, the Institut du Monde Arabe building was designed by Jean Nouvel and Architecture studio in 1987. The Institut du Monde Arabe showcases Arab culture in Paris, hosting a museum, temporary exhibitions, a cinema, a library, a bookshop, restaurants and a panoramic terrace. The metal details of the façade reflect Islamic geometric patterns, inspired by the traditional latticework of Middle Eastern moucharabiehs, used to keep sunlight out and enhance privacy.
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