Have you ever walked into a building and felt as if you’ve stepped back in time? The Bastille Design Center is just like that. This architectural marvel, a true gem of Parisian heritage, stands tall on Boulevard Richard Lenoir in the vibrant 11th arrondissement. It’s hard to believe that this grand building, with its intricate details and timeless charm, was once a bustling hardware store. For 150 years, from the middle of the 19th century until 2005, it served the community, fulfilling its purpose with unwavering dedication. Now, a century and a half later, it has taken on a new role, showcasing the work of talented artists.
Walking through the three levels of Bastille Design Center, you’ll feel the energy of the past. On the ground floor, the large main room, once the heart of the hardware store, is now a canvas for contemporary art, a vibrant blend of history and innovation. The smaller rooms, once bedrooms and a kitchen, now offer intimate spaces for exhibitions. You’ll be amazed to discover the stables’ former location on the ground floor. You’ll be able to visit the garage that housed them! Imagine the horses trotting through this space, delivering merchandise to the store.
As you ascend to the first level, you’ll be captivated by the passageway offering a breathtaking view of the ground floor. Sunlight streams through the partly glass roof, transforming the space into a skylit exhibition hall. It’s easy to imagine the founder of the hardware store, a pioneer of his time, living in this beautifully appointed space, dreaming of what the future held.
The lower level, supported by lattice girders and vaults, adds to the building’s historical significance, whispering stories of bygone days. You’ll step onto floors made of small strips of wood, each one a testament to 19th-century craftsmanship. The ground and lower levels feature this distinctive wooden flooring. The upper level and entryway rooms, on the other hand, boast parquet flooring.
No detail has been overlooked. The Bastille Design Center is a tribute to the city’s rich history, seamlessly blending the past with the present. A trip to this historical landmark will not only transport you to 19th-century Paris but also leave you inspired by its transformation into a thriving cultural hub.