Text by Tiffany Tang
Photo by Edouard Caupeil

Developed
as one of the cultural projects by the Mairie de Paris with the vision of
reviving the city’s contemporary art scene, Le
Centquatre – its name taken from the street number 104, Rue d'Aubervilliers – is an artistic hub for up-and-coming artists sharing creation space and
synergy, under the glass ceiling of recently restored unique nineteenth
century architecture. Situated in a humble neighborhood of the nineteenth arrondisement
the former funeral parlour, was re-opened in October 2008 after
its 100 million euro renovation. Currently led by the
two directors Robert Cantarella and Frédéric Fisbach, Le Centquatre aims to provide a space where art and
culture interact with the public without barriers.

The venue offers studios for
artist residency while providing technical, financial and human resources, on
the condition that regular openings and rendezvous are organized to bring the public
into contact with the work-in-progress. Besides artist residency, Centquatre also supports amateur artists
by renting out studios at a low cost organized under the creative space Le Cinq (1+0+4=5). In addition, the
‘House for Children’ was also created with a specially designed space and activities aimed
at inspiring the children’s artistic sensibilities. For designers who would are
searching for a place to launch their own products, the site offers a pop-up
shop for both short and long-term leases. Their site lists upcoming artists rendezvous,
music, art and theatrical performances.

104, Rue d'Aubervilliers / 5, Rue Curial 75019

Free admission

Opens daily except on Mondays, from 11am to 8pm
(except special events)

Closed
from December 24 at 8pm, until January 4, 2010