Paris reorganizes its contemporary art spaces

Paris is reshaping its contemporary art landscape as major institutions like the Centre Pompidou and Palais de Tokyo undergo renovations, leading to an expansion of cultural offerings into the Île-de-France region. The Centre Pompidou has opened a new branch in Massy, called the Centre Pompidou Francilien – factory of art, set to open publicly in March 2027. Meanwhile, the Île Seguin in Boulogne-Billancourt is also getting a new cultural center named Large.

New cultural center in Boulogne-Billancourt

The new cultural center Large in Boulogne-Billancourt is being developed by Groupe Emerige, led by founder Laurent Dumas. During a press conference in October 2026, Dumas stated the center’s goal is to attract people not typically interested in contemporary art and to support living artists in France by focusing on local culture and heritage.

Inaugural exhibition highlights Renault’s legacy

The first major exhibition at Large, titled Moteur imaginaire, features 50 masterpieces from the Renault Collection, which dates back to 1967–1986 and includes artists like Robert Doisneau, Victor Vasarely, and Jean Tinguely. The exhibition also includes 17 new works by contemporary artists such as Bianca Biondi, Théo Mercier, and Valentin Ranger, who were invited to create original pieces for the center.

Art and industrial history intertwine

Moteur imaginaire explores the relationship between art and machines, showcasing works that question, disassemble, and even fossilize cars. One notable piece is Théo Mercier’s Origins of speed, which combines ammonites and aluminum wheel trims into "post-industrial medallions." The exhibition also features photographs by Marie-Laure de Decker, capturing the workers of Renault’s former factories in Boulogne-Billancourt.

Spotlight on overlooked artists

The exhibition highlights works by artists who have not received widespread recognition, aligning with Laurent Dumas’s vision of giving them a platform. While it includes some well-known names in modern and contemporary art, the exhibition focuses on lesser-known works that are still compelling. This approach allows the public to rediscover these artists through new and fascinating perspectives.

Large aims to become a cultural hub

Large plans to host two annual exhibitions to establish itself as a lasting part of Île-de-France’s cultural scene. The first season will run from October to February, followed by a second phase from April to August. The center’s layout, including a main room of 1,000 square meters and two smaller rooms, allows for simultaneous exhibitions and diverse programming.

Collaboration with cinema and accessibility

To enhance its appeal, Large will collaborate with the nearby Pathé cinema, offering a cross-programming experience. The center is also accessible to all, with free entry for visitors under 26 and free access to the ground floor for everyone. Moteur imaginaire is open until March 7, 2027, at Large (3 parvis Amont, Île Seguin, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt).