Before becoming a Parisian venue for architectural exhibitions, the Pavillon l'Arsenal and its hall had many different lives.
Designed by A.Clement in 1878-79, the Pavillon de l'Arsenal was built by the Pinot firm for Laurent-Louis Borniche (1801-83), a timber merchant set up on the île Louviers. An art lover, Borniche knew many of the painters of his day. He bought their works for prices ranging from 2 to 20 F, rarely more, and rarely more than one canvas from each painter.
To exhibit his collection of over 2000 works, he built a ‘People’s Museum’ modeled on the Palais de l'Industrie, where the annual salons were held. After Borniche's death, his daughter sold the paintings and rented the building to the Rivoire & Carret foodstuffs firm.
The Samaritaine department store set up workshops there in 1931, and in 1954 the City of Paris bought the property, as a space to conserve archives. The glass and metal structure, so typical of late 19th century architecture (e.g. the old Les Halles markets by Baltard), was returned to its original use in 1988. The rehabilitation was realised by architects Bernard Reichen and Philippe Robert, and the project was well received by Parisians.
This exhibition brings together works by three photographers, recalling the project phases. Gérard Moulin took photos prior to works; Jean-Pierre Evrard, documented progress on the work-site; Catherine Brebel took pictures that show the new Pavillon de l'Arsenal.
To exhibit his collection of over 2000 works, he built a ‘People’s Museum’ modeled on the Palais de l'Industrie, where the annual salons were held. After Borniche's death, his daughter sold the paintings and rented the building to the Rivoire & Carret foodstuffs firm.
The Samaritaine department store set up workshops there in 1931, and in 1954 the City of Paris bought the property, as a space to conserve archives. The glass and metal structure, so typical of late 19th century architecture (e.g. the old Les Halles markets by Baltard), was returned to its original use in 1988. The rehabilitation was realised by architects Bernard Reichen and Philippe Robert, and the project was well received by Parisians.
This exhibition brings together works by three photographers, recalling the project phases. Gérard Moulin took photos prior to works; Jean-Pierre Evrard, documented progress on the work-site; Catherine Brebel took pictures that show the new Pavillon de l'Arsenal.
