All eyes are on
Paris this week, as the highly anticipated
Paris Fashion Week takes place in the fashion capital. While the world's largest
maisons showcase their bets for the spring-summer season, fashionistas from everywhere roam the streets of Paris in search of
off-the-beaten-path destinations to photograph their
looks of the week. Therefore, we have gathered below 10 incredible architectural points to visit during PFW and learn more about the city, its culture and influences. Check it out:
1. Labrouste of the Institut national d'histoire de l'art (INHA)
The
Labrouste building stands out as a masterpiece of 19th-century modernism, combining functionality and aesthetics with its innovative iron and glass structure. Its architecture reveals the technological advancements of the time, creating reading environments with abundant natural light. Besides its technical importance, the space fosters an appreciation for knowledge and the history of art.
2. Philharmonie de Paris
Designed by
Jean Nouvel, the Philharmonie is a symbol of contemporary architecture in Paris, marked by sculptural forms and bold design. Its vibrant façade consists of aluminum panels that reflect the light, creating an impressive visual effect. Internally, the space offers high-performance acoustics, providing a unique sound experience for viewers.
3. Edifício Lavirotte
The Edifício Lavirotte is a jewel of
Art Nouveau, recognized for its richly ornamented façades, with sculptural details, colorful tiles, and elegant towers. Located at Place de la Concorde, the building seems to come out of a fairy tale, reflecting the creativity and luxury of the Belle Époque. Every detail was carefully crafted to impress and enchant, establishing itself as a symbol of the decorative architecture that marked an era of artistic exuberance in Paris.
4. Livraria da Halle Saint-Pierre
(Raphael Metivet/Divulgação)
Situated in a revitalized historic building, the Halle Saint-Pierre bookstore is a true oasis for lovers of art and alternative culture. The space combines industrial architecture with a bohemian atmosphere, offering an inspiring environment. Its curation makes it a meeting point for artists and audiences interested in unconventional expressions. The bookstore also hosts exhibitions and cultural events, reinforcing its role as a center of creativity.
5. La Seine Musicale
(AFP – Serge Attal / Only France/Divulgação)
With its modern and innovative architecture, La Seine Musicale is located on the banks of the
Seine River, with a structure reminiscent of waves and fluid movements. Its design incorporates elements that harmonize with the urban landscape, creating an ideal space for high-quality musical presentations. The building has several concert halls, a large outdoor terrace, and communal areas.
6. Maison La Roche Fondation
Created by
Le Corbusier, the house is a classic example of his innovative approach to architecture, with concepts of functionality and modularity applied in a pioneering way. Its open volumes, horizontal windows, and white walls create a harmonious and clean composition. The residence also serves as a workspace and a showcase for the architect's ideas, reflecting his philosophy of "a house is a machine for living in."
7. Fondation Louis Vuitton
Designed by
Frank Gehry, the Fondation Louis Vuitton stands out for its glass structure shaped like sails that seem to float, creating an architectural work of art in itself. Located in a large park, the building combines innovation and elegance, valuing the contemporary art hosted within. The dynamic façade and sculptural details reflect Gehry's talent in blending art and architecture, making it a landmark of modern architecture in Paris.
8. Church of Notre Dame du Travail
Built at the end of the 19th century to welcome workers from the Montparnasse neighborhood, the church surprises with its unusual combination of spirituality and engineering. Its internal metal structure, inspired by the great works of the Industrial Revolution, contrasts with the unobtrusive stone façade, creating a bright and imposing interior that seems to merge faith and progress in the same space.
9. Chapel of the Sorbonne
(Raphael Metivet/Divulgação)
The chapel of the Sorbonne, commissioned by Cardinal Richelieu in the 17th century, is one of the most beautiful examples of French classicism in Paris. Its elegant dome dominates the university's inner courtyard, and the interior houses paintings and sculptures that reinforce the solemn and intellectual atmosphere of the place. It is a space where sacred architecture intersects with the academic history of the city.
10. Library of the Sorbonne
Located in the heart of the Quartier Latin, the Sorbonne library is a true temple of knowledge, housing rare collections and an environment that breathes academic tradition. The main hall, with its high ceilings, arches, and endless rows of books, impresses with its grandeur and the feeling of diving into the intellectual history of France.
