by Description
The Pavillon Carré de Baudouin stands as one of Paris’s most enchanting cultural destinations, seamlessly blending 18th-century architectural elegance with contemporary artistic programming. Located at 121 rue de Ménilmontant in the 20th arrondissement, this historic pavilion offers visitors a unique glimpse into Parisian history while serving as a vibrant hub for contemporary arts and culture.
Originally built in the 18th century as a “folie” – a pleasure house for countryside retreats – the pavilion derives its name from Nicolas Carré de Baudouin, who inherited the property in 1770. He commissioned Pierre-Louis Moreau-Desproux, Master of Buildings for the City of Paris, to add the stunning Palladian facade with its distinctive Ionic peristyle featuring four elegant columns and triangular pediment.
The pavilion holds particular literary significance as it later became the vacation home of the Goncourt family. Brothers Jules and Edmond de Goncourt, renowned French writers and founders of the prestigious Goncourt Prize, spent part of their childhood here, describing it in their journals as their “enchanted paradise.”
Designated as a Historic Monument in 1928, the pavilion underwent a remarkable transformation in 2007. After serving as an orphanage run by the Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul and later as a medical-social center, the City of Paris acquired the property in 2004 and carefully restored it as a cultural space. The exemplary rehabilitation by architects Stéphane Bigoni and Antoine Mortemard preserved the building’s 18th-century charm while creating modern exhibition spaces.
Today, the Pavillon Carré de Baudouin offers free access to diverse cultural programming including contemporary art exhibitions, conferences, and workshops. The site encompasses 815 square meters of cultural facilities including an auditorium, exhibition halls, and the beautiful 1,800-square-meter Carré-de-Baudouin garden that opened to the public in 2005.
Key Features
- Historic Architecture: Magnificent 18th-century Palladian facade with Ionic columns and period interior details
- Literary Heritage: Former vacation home of the Goncourt brothers, founders of the prestigious Goncourt Prize
- Contemporary Programming: Regular exhibitions featuring local, national, and international contemporary art
- Public Garden: Beautiful 1,800-square-meter garden providing green space in urban setting
- Free Access: All exhibitions and most events are completely free to the public
Accessibility and Practical Information
- Address: 121 rue de Ménilmontant, 75020 Paris
- Metro Access: Ménilmontant (Line 2), Père Lachaise (Lines 2, 3), Belleville (Lines 2, 11)
- Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 2pm-7pm (closed Mondays)
- Admission: Free entry to all exhibitions and garden
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible facilities and barrier-free access
Planning Your Visit
- Best Times: Weekday afternoons for quieter viewing; weekends can be busier but offer more programming
- Duration: Allow 1-2 hours for exhibitions and garden exploration
- Special Events: Check website for “Universités²” conferences and temporary exhibitions
- Combine With: Visit nearby Père Lachaise Cemetery, Belleville neighborhood exploration, or the vibrant Ménilmontant area