More room for music and for you!

The work has started! A few months ago, the Philharmonie began its makeover, due to be completed in 2027. The aim? To increase its capacity and make the building even more convivial. The reason there was nothing visible yet is that we were still in the preparatory phase: the actual construction work will start in late spring 2025.

The extension, located at the southern tip of the Philharmonie, will have two levels. On the ground floor, a restaurant with a terrace and a lounge area will provide the public with a relaxed setting in the vicinity of the concerts, with direct access to the Place de l’Europe. The backstage area and facilities for accommodating the artists will also be upgraded. On the first floor, connected to the Philharmonie’s Foyer, a multi-purpose room will be dedicated to workshops, conferences, productions for young audiences, educational and community projects, and private receptions. The first floor will feature a balcony with a beautiful view over the square.

The new extension is consistent with the architectural continuity of the existing building – unsurprisingly, since the project has been entrusted to the Philharmonie’s original architect, Christian de Portzamparc. In fact, the two architectural firms that worked on the 2005 initial building, 2 P Architectes & Associés and CBA Architects, will be responsible for the architectural design, with the Administration des bâtiments publics acting as the contracting authority.

The extension will feature the same curves and dynamics as the main building and the Salle de Musique de Chambre, with the same glass façade framed by the same emblematic columns, topped by the same distinctive white roof.

It is an exciting project involving a real challenge, since at no time during the transformation will there be any let-up in the Philharmonie’s activity. The works have been planned so as not to cause any audible disturbance during the concerts and events organised in the concert halls.