Funeral parlour resurrected as modern art HQ aims to refresh lifeless Paris scene
It is a vast, disused funeral parlour once known as the "factory of grief", where all Paris's coffins were once made and black horse and carts were parked as the starting point for every Parisian's final journey.
Politicians are now hoping the capital's temple of death will inject some life into the city's ailing modern arts scene.
The former state funeral parlour at 104 rue d'Aubervilliers in north-east Paris will reopen this weekend after being transformed into the city's most daring modern arts centre.
The €100m (£78m) restoration of the massive 19th century funeral parlour is Paris's art event of the year. Not only are Parisians attracted by the macabre past of the building - known only by its street number Centquatre - the centre will also bring artists and tourists into the 19th arrondissement best known for its high-rises, poverty and gang culture...
Read entire article at Guardian (UK)
Politicians are now hoping the capital's temple of death will inject some life into the city's ailing modern arts scene.
The former state funeral parlour at 104 rue d'Aubervilliers in north-east Paris will reopen this weekend after being transformed into the city's most daring modern arts centre.
The €100m (£78m) restoration of the massive 19th century funeral parlour is Paris's art event of the year. Not only are Parisians attracted by the macabre past of the building - known only by its street number Centquatre - the centre will also bring artists and tourists into the 19th arrondissement best known for its high-rises, poverty and gang culture...