Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The demountable aluminium pavilion was designed in 1954 by the manufacturer Jean Prouvé, in collaboration with engineer Michel Hugonet, for an exhibition organized by the French Aluminium. This project commemorated the centenary of the discovery of aluminum. Originally set up on the banks of the Seine, between the Alma bridge and the Pont des Invalides in Paris, this 150-metre-long and 15-metre-wide pavilion served as a gallery of modern machines, highlighting the manufacture and transformation of aluminium.

After the exhibition, the pavilion was transferred in 1956 to the directors of the Trade Fair in Lille, where it was reassembled and used as an exhibition hall until 1993 (cadastre HV 11). Threatened by destruction after its decommissioning, it was included in the additional inventory of Historic Monuments on 28 April 1993 (protection limited to its structure, excluding the parcel). In 1999, he was dismantled and then relocated to the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, where he is now located.

This monument illustrates 20th century architectural and industrial innovation, combining functionality, modularity and light materials. Its history also reflects the challenges of preserving modern technical heritage, often threatened by urban and economic developments. The Prouvé design, marked by the use of aluminum and demountable structures, prefigures the principles of sustainable and ephemeral architecture.

External links