Moored near the Austerlitz viaduct, in the 13th arrondissement, the reinforced concrete barge, listed as a cultural heritage, was bought in October 2020 by the Japanese Association for Architectural Design (Adan), which is fighting for a reopening in 2023 as a museum.
"As it is a reinforced concrete barge, if it hits the quay, it's the barge that gives way," warned Junko Koga, secretary general of Adan, interviewed by AFP.
In 2018, the barge had already sunk within twenty minutes after hitting the quay during a spectacular flood.
"For the French, it is a heritage very rich in history. It was used for 65 years to welcome the homeless. Here, really in the heart of Paris", underlined Mr. Koga.
"We are trying to appeal for donations and subsidies. We are trying to contact the Fondation de France. We would like to have partnerships or sponsorships that help us or who want to work together on this project," he said. he adds.
The Louise-Catherine, built in 1915, was used until 1994, after its redevelopment by Le Corbusier in 1929, as a floating asylum, with a social restaurant and 160 beds during winter periods, under the management of the Army of Hello. She had taken the name "Louise-Catherine" in homage to the Swiss painter Louise-Catherine Breslau.