Multi-Arts Square Center
Beauvais' Quadrilatère Museum Undergoes Transformation by Chatillon Architectes
After a comprehensive overhaul led by Paris-based Chatillon Architectes, the Quadrilatère arts center in Beauvais—a historical monument featuring a distinctive combination of Gothic cathedral and Gallo-Roman ruins—has been reinvigorated. Originally designed in 1976 by legendary French architect and designer André Hermant, the building was deliberately situated as a horizontal counterpoint to the cathedral's verticality.
Located on the site of a former tapestry factory, the renovation seeks to preserve the building's original conversation between the old and new, while enhancing visitor flow and accessibility across its six stories. A new triple-height atrium now anchors the interior, featuring a stylish curved concrete staircase with an oak handrail reminiscent of original balustrades. Meanwhile, a cutting-edge lift has been installed to provide unparalleled accessibility for all visitors.
Externally, the project emphasizes the harmonious relationship between the building and its urban environment. A meticulously designed garden, inspired by Studio M's landscape practice, connects the museum with its cathedral neighbor. Outdoor seating and terraces thoughtfully emulate Hermant's early designs, livening up the area.
Chatillon Architectes' strategy prioritizes symbiosis between the new and existing architecture. The renovated elements, such as the atrium and stairs, subtly echo Hermant's formal language while incorporating modern curatorial demands, including upgraded lighting systems strategically placed in the original vaults.
The update also introduces a series of key amenities: a versatile auditorium with state-of-the-art equipment, a dedicated learning space for children, a café and bookshop, and a new interpretation centre focusing on architecture and heritage. These facilities are intended to broaden the museum's cultural scope, extending its appeal to a wider audience.
A reimagined pedestrian walkway offers access to the previously untouchable archaeological crypt, immersing visitors in Beauvais' rich history. The glass, metal, and wooden walkway places the city's buried past within reach while interpretive signage and unearthed artifacts along the route underscore the sense of place.
Upon its grand reopening, the revamped Quadrilatère welcomes a fresh lineup of exhibitions, including "Formes utiles," which honors Hermant's design philosophy. The transformation of this significant cultural site, blending heritage with a contemporary edge, ensures that it continues to be an engaging and accessible destination for residents and tourists alike.
Client: City of BeauvaisLead Designer: Chatillon ArchitectesLandscape Designer: Studio MLighting Designer: ACLExhibition and Gallery Design: MYCELIUMAcoustic Consultant: Acoustique Vivié et Associés
The updated Quadrilatère Museum, under Chatillon Architectes' design, integrates modern amenities into its historical context, featuring a new interpretative center focusing on architecture and heritage, a versatile auditorium, a learning space for children, a cafe, and a bookshop. Simultaneously, the outdoor landscape designed by Studio M emphasizes the harmonious relationship between the museum and its cathedral neighbor, offering unique opportunities to explore Beauvais' rich history.
