The Fondation Arp in Clamart: an artist's home that has stood the test of time

Rue des Châtaigniers, Clamart, is home to the Fondation Arp, theformer home and studio of Dadaist sculptorsSophie Taeuber and Jean Arp. Built on a plot of land on the edge of the forest, purchased in 1927, the building was the brainchild of Sophie. It was she who drew up all the plans for the building, which served for several years as the couple's living and creative space. After Sophie's accidental death, two workshops were added to the garden.

After Jean Arp's death in 1966, his second wife, Marguerite Hagenbach, created the Arp Foundation in 1978 - the idea of which had been sketched out by her husband - and bequeathed a number of works, thus ensuring that the artistic soul of the place would live on.

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A rare example of an artist's house that has survived the decades, the site houses a collection of over 1,000 works: bronze or plaster sculptures, paintings, drawings, sketches and even poems. To discover it, no need to make a reservation: just push open the door of this astonishing house with its red shutters during visiting hours, and let yourself be carried away by the poetry and magic of the place.

And for those who wish to continue their visit, several architect-designed houses can be seen in the vicinity. 33 rue des Châtaigniers is home to a house designed by architects Chemetov and Déroche. A little further on, at 24, 20 and 6 rue des Fougères, nestle three buildings by Jacques-Emile Lecaron.