“Did you know this street is named after a famous doctor?” That’s right, we’re standing on Rue du Docteur Potain. It is a street in the 19th arrondissement of Paris. This street honors Pierre Carle Édouard Potain. He was a renowned French physician born in 1825. He died in 1901.
Rue du Docteur Potain stretches 300 meters. It is not very wide, only 12 meters. The street begins at 251 Rue de Belleville. It ends at 18 Rue des Bois. This location places us in a vibrant part of the city.
Originally, this street was called Cité Lemière. It was named after a property owner. In 1935, it was renamed Rue du Docteur Potain. This change recognized the doctor’s contributions to medicine.
At number 26 Rue du Docteur Potain, you will find DOC. DOC is a non-profit association. It supports contemporary artistic creation. DOC is located in a former technical school spanning 3000 square meters. It opened in September 2015. It addresses the lack of affordable space for artists.
DOC offers 24 workshops. There are also four temporary residency spaces. Artists can use shared technical facilities. These include wood, metal, and screen-printing workshops. There is also a performance hall and video equipment. Around sixty artists work here annually. DOC fosters knowledge sharing among young artists.
DOC also serves as a venue. Throughout the year, it hosts exhibitions. You might catch projections or concerts here. Theater performances and meetings also take place. DOC actively participates in the neighborhood’s life.
At number 27 Rue du Docteur Potain, Jean Quarré lived. He moved here with his family in 1927. A commemorative plaque honors him.
Rue du Docteur Potain links to several metro stations. Telegraphe is 200 meters away. Pre-Saint-Gervais is at 320 meters. Porte des Lilas is a bit further at 613 meters. Hôpital Robert Debré is nearby too, at 335 meters.
Think about the artists finding their space. Imagine Doctor Potain walking this street. Rue du Docteur Potain is a blend of history and modern artistic energy. This street continues to evolve. It honors its past while embracing the future of art.