It's a minor event in Parisian cultural life: after 40 years in the 14th arrondissement, the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain has finally moved, settling opposite the Louvre museum on the Place du Palais-Royal. The art foundation opened its doors on October 25, 2025, in the former Louvre des Antiquaires, redesigned by architect Jean Nouvel.
But what will become of the former home of the Fondation Cartier? What does the future hold for the site on Boulevard Raspail? This large building remains unoccupied for the time being, awaiting its next chapter.
In 1994, the Fondation Cartier arrived in the 14th arrondissement, offering contemporary art exhibitions and focusing on international artists. To achieve this, Jean Nouvel (him again) designed a large glass cube surrounded by nature, an atypical site with a transparent design and very large exhibition spaces.
Forty years later, this place stands empty and lonely. Designed especially for the Fondation Cartier, this glass building must reinvent itself to find a new lease on life.
For a time, the Maison des Mondes Africains (House of African Worlds) was considering moving into this building on Boulevard Raspail, replacing the Fondation Cartier. This brand-new cultural center was ultimately established in Paris's 10th arrondissement and opened its doors on October 4, 2025.
To date, therefore, the building designed by Jean Nouvel remains empty. The residents of the 14th arrondissement are still waiting to find out what project will breathe new life into this neighborhood deprived of its cultural activity.
