Think of the smell of tobacco. That smell once permeated these grounds. This is the Toit-terrasse de la Friche. It stands as a testament to Marseille’s industrial past. Today, it is a vibrant cultural space. The Toit-terrasse de la Friche is more than just a rooftop terrace. It’s a symbol of transformation.
La Friche la Belle de Mai opened in 1992. It transformed the old tobacco factory into a cultural hub. The factory closed in 1990. It left behind a large industrial space. This space became an area for artistic and cultural work. It has performance and exhibition spaces.
More than sixty artistic and cultural organizations bring life to the Friche. They represent diverse fields. Theater, dance, music, and contemporary art are all here. Radio stations also broadcast from here.
The Toit-terrasse de la Friche provides artist workshops. Rehearsal studios are available. There is even a fab lab. Permanent and temporary residents use these spaces.
Performance venues include the Cabaret Aléatoire. Les Plateaux and La Cartonnerie are also here. Exhibition spaces include the Panorama and the Tour galleries.
The Toit-terrasse de la Friche supports producers in all disciplines. Visual arts, theater, and dance are all represented. Music, writing, and digital arts thrive here too.
Media organizations like Radio Grenouille are based here. There is even a daycare center for sixty children. A primary school opened in 2022.
The Friche supports economic development. It has developed a media hub. Structures like Intermade and Dynamo nurture projects. A skatepark opened in 2009. It welcomes urban cultural practices. La Maison du Vallon works with young people. It offers adapted support.
Les Grandes Tables opened in 2006. It is a successful example of the third sector economy. The library-cafe and skateshop also contribute.
The Toit-terrasse de la Friche champions independent spaces. It believes in the cultural dimension of public spaces. Artists and the public drive political and social change. This includes economic, educational, and urban changes.
In 1990, Christian Poitevin sought to revitalize city wastelands. Philippe Foulquié and Alain Fourneau joined him. They used artistic actions to transform these spaces. The Système Friche Théâtre association was created. Fabrice Lextrait coordinated the effort.
After experiences in other neighborhoods, the association secured an agreement. They used the former Seita tobacco factory. This historic site regained life. The association occupied 45,000 m2 of the site.
Initially focused on theater, the Friche quickly expanded. It embraced music and visual arts. Urban cultures also found a home here.
Jean Nouvel’s leadership helped integrate the project. Jean-Claude Gaudin recognized its importance. Michel Duffour supported the project. He developed policies for new art territories.
Since 1992, the Toit-terrasse de la Friche has generated an artistic adventure. It is cultural, economic, and political. It is a unique cooperative. Residents are deeply involved in the project. Alain Arnaudet has directed the SCIC since 2011.
The Toit-terrasse de la Friche played a central role in Marseille’s year as the European Capital of Culture in 2013. It underwent significant renovations. These renovations made the building’s roof accessible. The new space allowed the Friche to host new types of events. Visitor numbers increased greatly. In 2013, 500,000 people visited the site.
The Toit-terrasse de la Friche integrates the idea of Parole d’Artiste. It embodies an act. It is a societal commitment that seeks to move society. It disrupts codes and landmarks. Artists’ voices are essential to the Friche. Their presence helps build new relationships. The Friche is a ground for experiments.
The Friche has always valued architecture. Jean Nouvel and Patrick Bouchain emphasized its importance. The Friche affirms the political nature of its project. It reinvents a historic Marseille neighborhood. Patrick Bouchain’s leadership emphasized sensitivity. Matthieu Poitevin’s architectural modifications reflected this approach.
For the European Capital of Culture, the Friche built the Tour-Panorama. This new space provides 4,000 m2 for contemporary art. An extension connects it to the Magasins building. The Magasins building was renovated. It provides offices and workshops for resident artists. The Toit-terrasse de la Friche offers a panoramic view of the city. It is a vast public space. Les Plateaux provides two performance halls. L’Ists and L’Erac contribute to architectural creation.