Curious about the story behind this unassuming street? Rue George Eastman is located in Paris’s 13th arrondissement. It is named after the American industrialist and philanthropist George Eastman.
Eastman lived from 1854 to 1932. He is best known as the founder of Eastman Kodak. But why a street in Paris?
The answer lies a bit further down the Rue George Eastman. You will find the Institut dentaire George-Eastman at number 11. George Eastman donated funds to establish this dental institute. It was for the purpose of improving dental hygiene for children. The institute opened in 1937. The street was named in his honor that same year. It is a lasting tribute to his generosity.
Rue George Eastman’s story begins before 1937. The street was built on the former site of the old Ivry gas plant. The street connects Rue Charles-Moureu with Avenue de Choisy. It stretches 156 meters long and 15 meters wide.
The Institut dentaire George-Eastman is a key landmark here. The building’s architecture is striking. Édouard Crevel designed it. Its red brick walls and monumental sculptures catch the eye. Carlo Sarrabezolles created these sculptures.
During World War II, the building was used as a military hospital by the German army. It was known as Wehrmacht Zahnklinik Eastmann. After the liberation of Paris, it became a center for the repression of collaborators. This dark period is a somber chapter in the institute’s history.
After the war, the building returned to its original purpose. It became a dental center for the city of Paris. In 2019, the building was listed as a historical monument.
The sculptures on the building’s facade tell a story. One side shows George Eastman offering the institute to France. The other side represents public health triumphing over disease. These sculptures symbolize Eastman’s gift to the city.
The street provides access to the Place d’Italie metro station. Lines 5, 6, and 7 serve this station. The Parc de Choisy is also nearby.
The story of Rue George Eastman is more than just a street name. It represents a connection between America and France. It embodies the legacy of a man who cared about children’s health. It recalls a difficult period in history. It is now a place dedicated to dental care.