Île Seguin's new museum opens

The Île Seguin, long linked to failed projects and local folklore about "cursed" land, is set to welcome a new contemporary art museum called Large, which opens to the public on Saturday. The museum, located on the site of the former Renault factory that closed in 1992, spans 5,000 square meters and is part of a larger development called "Pointe des arts" that includes a cinema, luxury hotel, offices, and shops.

History of failed projects on the island

The site has a history of failed projects, with notable figures such as Jean Nouvel, François Pinault, Renzo Piano, and Vincent Bolloré having once coveted the land but eventually giving up. The only completed project on the island prior to this was the Seine Musicale, opened in 2017 on the opposite end of the island.

Spiritual blessings and local beliefs

According to the president of the development, Laurent Dumas, the project was blessed by a medium, an American Indian chief, a shaman, and a Voodoo leader, who were brought in to repel "the forces of spirit" from the site. Some believe the land is haunted by the spirits of former Renault factory workers, while others point to lack of support from officials, political conflicts, and administrative obstacles as the reasons for past failures.

Mixed reactions to the new development

The mayor of Boulogne-Billancourt, Pierre-Christophe Baguet, and Dumas attribute the project's success to their perseverance. However, not everyone is enthusiastic about the new development. Critics argue that the building is too large, not eco-friendly enough, and does not adequately honor the memory of the Renault workers who once labored there.

Environmental and historical concerns

Urban architect Bernard Landau, president of the association "La Seine n'est pas à vendre," believes the island has the potential to become a favored park for residents due to its location in a cooling corridor along the Seine and its proximity to the hills of Meudon. However, he criticizes the projects on Île Seguin for being outdated and lacking consideration for climate change.

Legacy and memory of the Renault workers

Pauline Rapilly-Ferniot, a municipal counselor from Les Ecologistes, laments that the island's industrial past has been "completely erased." The area was once the birthplace of the 4CV and 4L cars and a hub for social struggles, with up to 30,000 Renault workers in the 1930s. The inaugural exhibition at Large features works from the Renault collection and other contemporary artists to honor the workers, but some, like Emmanuelle Dupuy of the Association of Former Renault-Billancourt Ile Seguin Workers (Atris), feel it will not last and that a more lasting memorial is needed.

Remaining challenges on Île Seguin

The center of the island remains largely undeveloped, with a large empty lot currently used as a parking lot. A student residence supported by Emerige is planned, but Bouygues Immobilier has faced legal challenges from local and environmental groups over plans to build offices on the site. Some suggest the island may be experiencing a return of its "curse," but Rapilly-Ferniot insists the island is not cursed and sees it as a site of "organized resistance of residents to projects they see as not relevant."