The third weekend in September, the Journées du Patrimoine transform the entire Île-de-France into a playground for the curious by throwing open the doors to remarkable places, often secret or ordinarily inaccessible. The 19 et 20 septembre 2026, heading to Courbevoie, in the Hauts-de-Seine, to push open the doors of the Pavillon des Indes, a singular building nestled in the heart of Bécon Park.
The story opens under Parisian spotlights at the 1878 Exposition Universelle. Commissioned by the Prince of Wales—the future King Edward VII—to showcase the crafts of the Indian subcontinent under British rule, the pavilion immediately captivates with its hybrid architecture. Built from timber and finely worked teak, the structure blends Moghul-inspired domes, polylobed arches, and perforated galleries with the prefab framing techniques that were all the rage in 19th-century Europe.
Pavillon des Indes: a cultural center with the air of an unusual oriental palace on the outskirts of Pairs
Nestled in the Parc de Bécon in the heart of Courbevoie, the Pavillon des Indes is an astonishing example of Oriental palace architecture. Part World's Fair legacy, part lively cultural venue, this exotic gem is well worth a visit. [Read more]
After the exhibition, the whole thing doesn’t stay intact: the structure is split in two. One half makes its way to Courbevoie, purchased by the painter and collector Georges Béthune. The artist sets up his workshop on the ground floor and a home on the upper level. A stubborn rumor even suggests that he hosted the entire Paris art scene there, in a theatrical staging worthy of an opera set, though the archives remain cautious about the daily reality of such fashionable receptions.
Listed as a historic monument, the building cuts a striking silhouette with its bulbous dome and carved moucharabiehs. After extensive restoration campaigns to stabilise its timberwork and restore its original volumes, the venue has returned to its working function: the city now hosts artists in residence while offering the public a museum trail to trace the memory of the major exhibitions.
To find out what's in store on site for this discovery-filled weekend, here’s the detailed rundown of activities:
Tour of the Indies Pavilion
A remnant of the 1878 Exposition Universelle in the heart of the artists’ district, the Pavilion of the Indies has been listed as a historical monument since 1987. Guides will be on hand to accompany you during your visit.
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Araks Sahakyan's Exhibition at the Pavilion of the Indies: Artist's Workshop — Self-Guided Tours
On the occasion of Europe’s Heritage Days, the Pavillon des Indes presents a solo show by artist-in-residence Araks Sahakyan. Bringing together works created in Courbevoie as part of her residency, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the artist’s latest explorations of the body, breath, water and our relationship with life. An invitation to explore a body of work where drawing, painting, textiles and performance converse around memory, territory and immersion.
Public visits from 1 to 6 pm.
Artist-led tours at 2 pm and 4 pm.
Participation requirements: Information: culture@ville-courbevoie.fr - Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, 19 September 2026, 1:00 PM–6:00 PM | Sunday, 20 September 2026, 1:00 PM–6:00 PM
Araks Sahakyan's Exhibition at the Pavilion of the Indies: Artist Workshop – Guided Tours
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, the Pavilion des Indes presents a solo show by artist-in-residence Araks Sahakyan. Bringing together works created in Courbevoie as part of her residency, the exhibition invites you to explore the artist’s latest investigations into the body, breath, water, and our relation to life. A journey through a practice where drawing, painting, textiles, and performance converse around memory, territory, and immersion.
Open visits from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Artist-led tours at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
Participation requirements: Inquiries: culture@ville-courbevoie.fr - Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 2:00–4:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 2:00–4:00 PM
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Pavillon des Indes
142 Boulevard Saint-Denis
92400 Courbevoie
Route planner
Pavillon des Indes: a cultural center with the air of an unusual oriental palace on the outskirts of Pairs
