Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The building at 40 rue de Richelieu and 37 rue Montpensier, in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, is a typical example of neoclassical architecture of the second half of the 18th century. Built around 1769-1770, it replaces a historic house: the one where Molière died in 1673, although this reference only concerns the location and not the current structure. The building illustrates the development of related buildings under the Old Regime, intended for a rising bourgeoisie.

The facades and roofs, as well as the common areas (vestibulum and stairwell) and the cellars, were inscribed in the Historical Monuments by order of 14 October 2003. The architect identified for this project is Nicolas-Antoine Perrard de Montreuil, figure little documented but associated with this sober and balanced style. Today, the building belongs to a private company, and its precise location is estimated as "passible" (note 5/10) in the heritage bases.

The choice of the neo-classical style reflects the influence of the Lights on the Parisian architecture of the time, favouring symmetry and clean lines. The location, in a central area near the Palais Royal, highlights its status as a prestigious building. Partial protections (2003) aim to preserve the most representative elements of this period, while allowing for contemporary use of the building.

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