Opening of a fundraiser for the restoration of the Pierre Paulin furniture at the Palais d'Iéna

An architectural masterpiece built by architect Auguste Perret in 1937 for the Universal Exhibition, the Palais d'Iéna has housed the CESE for over sixty years.

In order to rehabilitate it and preserve its architectural and movable heritage, the EESC adopted an innovative tool on December 10 with the creation of the Co-construct endowment fund. The purpose of this fund is to carry out and finance actions of general interest of a cultural and scientific nature aimed at the restoration, preservation and modernization of the Palais d'Iéna and its furniture. Today, work must continue with the renovation of the interior spaces and in particular of the hypostyle hall which has suffered the ravages of time.

To furnish this room, the Palais d'Iéna benefited in the 80s from a major public commission from the Ministry of Culture to Pierre Paulin, whose work harmonized with the vision of the architect Auguste Perret. These works, which are part of the Mobilier National collections, are today considered to be major pieces of XNUMXth century design. They were designed in consultation with the Mobilier national and its Research and Creation Workshop (ARC). Supporting crafts and creation since the XNUMXth century, the Mobilier national's primary mission is to furnish the palaces of the Republic, which constitute a prestigious showcase to enhance the richness of its collections and the excellence of knowledge. -making French crafts.

This furniture is now in need of a major restoration which will be carried out under the control of the Mobilier National: the key elements of a series of 8 lounges integrated into the hypostyle room, i.e. 64 armchairs, 32 lampposts and 8 carpets will return to their original condition.

This is why the EESC, first with the support of the Heritage Foundation and then in partnership with the Mobilier national, announces the opening of an online fundraiser for the restoration of Paulin furniture, to which each citizen who wishes can participate in the financing of the restoration thanks to tax-deductible donations: https://www.fondation-patrimoine.org/77811

Jean Grosset, President of the Co-Construct Fund, declares “Becoming a sponsor of the Co-Construire fund within the legal framework of sponsorship means participating in the restoration of the furniture signed by designer Pierre Paulin for the Palais d'Iéna. It also means supporting the action of an assembly representative of all French people, promoting dialogue and compromise. "

Hervé Lemoine, Director of National Furniture, declares: “I am delighted that this set of furniture that has suffered the ravages of time can, today, benefit from a vast restoration and renovation operation, in constant connection with the expertise of the workshops and factories of the National Furniture. "