Philharmonie de Paris - Cité de la musique

Paris’s new concert hall, which opened in 2015 in the Parc de La Villette, was designed by the acclaimed architect Jean Nouvel. The striking, out-of-this-world creation seems almost to spin, as if carried by the metallic birds covering the façade of the building.

But this silver cathedral is above all a temple to music, designed in collaboration with two world-renowned acousticians. A concert in the large Pierre Boulez concert hall, which manages to feel intimate despite its impressive size, is an experience not to be missed. Enveloped by the music as if in a cocoon, you will understand the true meaning of “pure sound”.

Where music comes to life

The programme is focused on classical music but it also opens up to jazz, world music and pop, with a price range that makes the experience accessible to everyone. Beyond this musical magic, the Philharmonie was conceived as a place for exchange. Artists mingle with their audiences in the vast space on the ground floor where two exhibitions are held each year, one focusing on classical music and the other on something more pop, but always with a playful and modern approach. On the 6th floor, the Balcon bistro and its terrace offer breathtaking views. Climb to the 9th floor and walk on the Belvédère. At 37 meters high, it offers a panoramic view of the city and its outskirts.

To deepen your knowledge of world music, head to the complex’s second building: the Cité de la Musique. Designed by Christian de Portzamparc, a few meters from the Philharmonie, this fluid assemblage of geometric forms has housed the exceptional Musée de la Musique since 1995.

A space to play

Embark on an exciting journey through four centuries of world music. You will be able to admire a unique collection of over 7,000 musical instruments: lutes, viols, Stradivarius violins, electric guitars… A melodic journey, since mini-concerts are held in the exhibition spaces and free audio guides are provided in several languages for both adults and children, allowing visitors to discover and hear the instruments. Children are particularly well catered for with a whole range of workshops (play the luthier, be a conductor…) to be reserved in advance. The Cité de la Musique is completed by a music library holding a unique collection of documents, and a large concert hall where artists from all genres perform throughout the year.

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