Rue Jean Formigé

In 1932, a new street appeared in Paris’s 15th arrondissement. This street, Rue Jean Formigé, replaced the former site of the Vaugirard gas works. It’s named after Jean Camille Formigé, a prominent architect who left his mark on numerous Parisian landmarks. Rue Jean Formigé isn’t just a street; it’s a quiet testament to Formigé’s contributions. He wasn’t just an architect; he was also a member of the Academy of Fine Arts and a restorer of historical monuments. He designed squares like Square d’Anvers and Square des Epinettes. He also worked on the monumental greenhouses of the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil. His designs showcase a blend of functionality and aesthetic beauty, using glass and metal to create impressive structures. He also left his mark on Père Lachaise Cemetery, designing the crematorium and columbarium. These structures offer a stark contrast. The crematorium’s exterior evokes St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Meanwhile, its fronton displays symbols of liberty and Freemasonry. Formigé also embraced the industrial age. For the 1889 Paris Universal Exposition, he constructed the Palaces of Fine Arts and Liberal Arts. These structures stood on the Champ de Mars, showcasing the innovative use of iron and vibrant polychromatic decoration with ceramics and painted ironwork. Formigé’s work extended beyond Paris. He restored the Abbey of Conques and worked on Roman monuments in Arles and Orange. His son, Jules Formigé, continued his legacy, working on some of the same sites. So, as you stroll down Rue Jean Formigé, remember it’s more than just a street. It represents the enduring legacy of a man who shaped the landscape of Paris and beyond, leaving behind structures that blend history, art, and innovation.