Pathé Palace
At the core of this project is the restoration of the historic Paramount Theatre, built in 1929. Combining meticulous renovation with modern upgrades, the project reclaims space and introduces new amenities, creating a unique and elevated cinema experience.
The project brings together film production and distribution under one roof, blending history with modernity in a space that aims to redefine the movie-going experience.
Designed to deliver the most immersive cinema experience imaginable, this iconic building now houses not only the Pathé head office but also a state-of-the-art 7-screen cinema complex.
The design of this landmark project has been guided by themes of heritage, transparency, urban integration, and environmental consciousness. The vision to honor the past while embracing the future, creating a space that is both a tribute to cinema’s golden age and a beacon of modern entertainment.
The careful restoration and renovation are major features in the transformation of the historic Paramount Theatre into the new Pathé Palace.
A key element of the renovation has involved reclaiming the underground spaces and restoring the building’s facade to its original splendor. Another highlight of the project is a large glazed indoor atrium, named "La Piazza," which serves as the vibrant heart of the complex: inverted glazing, complemented by birch trees at its center, allows natural light to cascade into the space.
Perhaps the most striking element of the renovation is the preservation of the building’s rotunda, an architectural gem designed by Auguste Bluysen in pure Art Deco style. The monumental staircases and intricate decor on the ground and first floors have been lovingly restored, capturing the elegance and charm of a bygone era.
The building’s walkways play with natural light, and newly reclaimed spaces now house state of the art screens.
One of the project’s most graceful features is a suspended steel structure, designed to illuminate the cinema walkways and the upper floors of the office space with natural light.
On the lower levels, a grand cinema screen with a 440-seat capacity anchors the space, accompanied by two smaller screens, each with 100 seats. Ascending through the building, the upper floors host four additional screens, each with its unique visual identity, connected by escalators and walkways that traverse the length of the Atrium.
The fourth and fifth floors are dedicated to office spaces, forming the headquarters of Pathé.
Project Details
Status
Client
Pathé
Design
Renzo Piano Building Workshop, architects
Design Team
A.Chaaya, V.Laffineur (partner and associate in charge), E.Garnaoui, M.Sismondini with M.A.Corsi, S.Giorgio-Marrano, F.Hebel, O.Khaledi, A.McKee, G.Pazzi, B.Sibilla and M.Abi Raad, S.Canovas; A.Bagatella, T.Garofalo, D.Tsagkaropoulos (CGI); O.Aubert, C.Colson, Y.Kyrkos (models)
Consultants
Atelier Richard Duplat (historic buildings conservation); AIA Ingénierie (structure, MEP, sustainability, façade); Peutz & Associés (acoustics); NAMIXIS (fire prevention); SLETEC (cost consultant); Atelier Miething (landscape)
Environmental Certifications
BREEAM Very Good (2024)
