What if one of Île-de-France’s next major cultural venues were to open in Seine-Saint-Denis ? That is precisely the ambition of Ateliers Médicis, which is preparing to move into a new 6,000 m² building in Montfermeil, on the border with Clichy-sous-Bois. Designed by the architecture firm Encore Heureux, this major cultural facility is set to open in 2027, opposite the future Clichy-Montfermeil station on the Grand Paris Express. And construction is moving ahead! On October 1, 2026, the project team celebrated the completion of the structural work and roof—an important milestone for the venue, which is now expected to be delivered in fall 2027, as our colleagues at 94 Citoyens report.
It must be said that the Ateliers Médicis are not starting from scratch. Established in 2015, this public cultural cooperation institution has for several years supported artists across a range of disciplines, from film and dance to visual arts, music and theatre. Based since 2018 in a temporary building in Clichy-sous-Bois, it runs residencies, participatory projects and meetings between artists and local residents. Its planned move to the site of the former Utrillo tower, demolished in 2017, is expected to allow it to expand its reach. The idea? To bring artists, young people in training and the public together under one roof, while giving creativity a central place in an area long underserved by the Paris region’s major cultural institutions.
But what will these new Ateliers Médicis house? Spread across five floors, the building will include theaters and cinemas, exhibition spaces, creative studios, workshops and artist residencies. The Kourtrajmé film school, founded at the initiative of director Ladj Ly, is expected to set up there, alongside the alternative art school La Renverse and the participatory media outlet L'Étincelle. The public will also be able to enjoy a restaurant on the third floor, 1,000 square meters of terraces, a 2,000-square-meter forecourt and a 1,200-square-meter garden. It promises to be a lively place where visitors can take in a performance, meet artists or take part in a workshop.
Another distinctive feature of the project is its architecture, which makes extensive use of reuse and sustainable materials. Wood, stone, rammed earth and reclaimed bricks are among the materials used in the building, which is designed to limit its environmental impact. Some elements even come from former buildings in the Chêne-Pointu neighborhood, while doors used during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are set to find a second life in the new facility. The project also includes photovoltaic panels, natural ventilation and rainwater collection systems. According to information published by 94 Citoyens in October 2026, the total investment is now estimated at €43.63 million, including tax.
The exact opening date and the first program at this new cultural center in Seine-Saint-Denis have yet to be announced. While the project’s backers are still targeting a 2027 opening, the final schedule for welcoming visitors has yet to be confirmed. In the meantime, the Ateliers Médicis continue their activities in their temporary building and at venues elsewhere, with exhibitions, residencies and arts events. With the future arrival of Metro line 16, the Clichy-Montfermeil district could well become a new cultural destination to explore in the Paris region.
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