19.02.2026 | A building of movement

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Location and attitude: The location on the Place du Palais-Royal places the Fondation squarely at the center of the city’s life and reinforces its role as a publicly accessible art institution. (Image source: Danica O. Kus)

• New site in the historical Haussmann building on the Place du Palais-Royal
• Dynamic architecture with variable room configurations based on a design by Jean Nouvel
• Sanitary solutions from the series Starck 3 by Duravit in publicly accessible areas

The remodeled Fondation Cartier pour l’art has installed itself at its new site in the center of Paris. In a historical building on the Place du Palais-Royal, the French architect Jean Nouvel has created a spatial structure that opens up, transforms itself, and reflects the public character of the institution. The project also integrated sanitary solutions from Duravit into the publicly accessible areas of the building as part of the overall concept.


Space as a flexible system

The design combines the historical fabric of the building with a completely overhauled interior design. Jean Nouvel retained façades and arcades outside and developed a flexible spatial system within. The spatial framework of the building consists of five large platforms. Adjustable with the aid of a hydraulic system, changing room sequences, different height setups, and varying lines of sight are possible. Glass roofs with moveable slats complete the system and allow precise control of daylight.


In the urban context

The architecture seeks a conscious dialog with its environment. Full-length glass façades along the Rue de Rivoli open up the view between interior and exterior. The Fondation sees itself as a publicly accessible cultural space and part of the cityscape.


Utility right down to the last detail

Wall-mounted toilets from the Starck 3 range by Duravit are located in the sanitary zones, completed by accessible variants of the Vital version with a larger projection. The restrained design of the series blends inconspicuously into the overall architectural context and is suited to heavily trafficked, publicly accessible areas.


Infobox:

Architect: Jean Nouvel
Location: Paris, Place du Palais-Royal
Reopening: October 2025
Sanitary products by Duravit: Starck 3 and Vital wall-mounted toilets