Pavillon de l’Arsenal is a cultural and educational association founded in 1988. Based in Paris, it serves as an information, documentation and exhibition centre focused primarily on the urbanism and architecture of Paris and the Paris metropolitan area. Its stated purpose is to make the city’s development and architectural work accessible to the public. 2511
The organisation is located at 21 boulevard Morland in Paris’s 4th arrondissement. Its historic building began a major renovation in January 2025, prompting the Pavillon to continue its cultural programme at venues elsewhere in Grand Paris. 69 Its activities include permanent and temporary exhibitions, travelling exhibitions, publications, films, guided visits, a documentation centre, children’s workshops and a bookshop. 5
Exhibitions interpret the metropolitan area’s history, current issues and possible futures. A permanent exhibition described by the organisation presents these themes across more than 800 square metres, using archival documents, photographs, maps, plans and films. 3 The Pavillon also takes exhibitions beyond its own premises: its programme has included presentations in venues around Grand Paris and, in the case of a travelling exhibition on metropolitan trails, in Angoulême.10
The organisation’s main geographic focus is Paris and the Paris metropolis, while its travelling programme reaches other French cities and can support exchanges with organisations in France and abroad. 510 The LinkedIn company listing identifies Paris as its headquarters and gives 1988 as its founding year. 2