To mark the 90th anniversary of the Grand Rex, the Parisian cinema is returning to its original splendour.
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The story begins in the late 1920’s, a period marked by the international development of the 7th art, both on the Old Continent and in the United States. French entrepreneur Jacques Haïk, a film producer and distributor, wanted to create one of the largest and most innovative cinemas in Europe. So he called on architects Auguste Bluysen and John Eberson, and interior designer Maurice Dufrene, to design the Grand Rex. Inaugurated in 1932, the building quickly became emblematic of the industrial era and the leisure society in Paris. Located on the Grands Boulevards in the 2nd arrondissement, this landmark building has stood the test of time and captured the hearts of several generations of Parisians.
The “Rex” cinema, known as the “Grand Rex”, at the corner of boulevard poissonnière and rue poissonnière, Paris. Samand photographe, after 1932, Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris.
Crowds in front of the Grand Rex in the 1930s
The architecture of the Grand Rex embodies the strength and elegance of Art Deco, the artistic movement that marked the 20th century and the entry into the modern world. Its geometric lines, stylised floral motifs and luxurious materials bear witness to a refined aesthetic. This combination of pure forms and sophisticated details creates a captivating visual harmony, making this cinema an architectural monument in its own right.
But the Grand Rex is more than just an architectural masterpiece; its monumentality is charged with a sensitive and emotional dimension for many Parisians and visitors from all over the world. Since its opening, it has been the venue for numerous cultural events – film screenings, concerts and variety shows. This close connection between modern architecture and popular culture makes it an essential gathering place for entertainment fans.
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The final phase of the works campaign, which began in 2017 with the restoration of the cinema’s main auditorium, began in 2021 and was completed in December 2022. Initially, these renovations consisted of waterproofing the roofs and refurbishing the façade. Given that the Grand Rex was listed as a Historic Monument in 1981, the work was carried out under the supervision of Bâtiments de France architects Grichka Martinetti and Stéphane Thomasson, whose aim was to restore the Parisian cinema to its original elegance and splendour.
Front of the Grand Rex before restoration © All rights reserved
« L’objectif, c’était de revenir à son état de 1932, pas absolument identique car le bâtiment et la civilisation ont évolué ; ce qui n’a pas évolué, c’est la qualité de son architecture » – Grichka Martinetti.
Model of the new façade of the Grand Rex © GRAND REX
Detail of the tower and sign of the Grand Rex in the 1930s and after renovation © All rights reserved
“We had no archives, no drawings, nothing at all. So we took advantage of what little was available and made some deductions. Using the photographs, we carried out photogrammetry: we straightened these images to get a geometric view. And from the geometric drawing, based on certain proportions, we reconstruct the design of the letters. Then we had to find a way of turning them around.” – Grichka Martinetti in an interview for Radio France.
The Grand Rex cinema has been given a facelift, with a change to its lighting system. Reconciling ecological standards with the desire to preserve the building’s retro aesthetic, the architects undertook the colossal task of replacing the neon lights typical of the 1980s with energy-saving LED bulbs for all the exterior signage. This aspect of the renovation required a considerable investment from the building professionals. At the same time, the advertising panels added during the previous facelift in 2009 were preserved and redesigned, highlighting the cinema’s Art Deco columns while retaining a modern touch.
The inauguration on 8 December 2022, marking the 90th anniversary of this iconic cinema in the Capital of the Arts, concludes two years of major works that have restored the Grand Rex to its original splendour and Art Deco spirit.
Model of the new façade of the Grand Rex © GRAND REX
By breathing new life into the aesthetics of the cinema, Paris is demonstrating its desire to preserve its cultural heritage, its ability to look at heritage as a place of avant-garde and creation. This exemplary renovation will enable the Grand Rex to continue to shine as a cultural beacon, attracting Art Deco enthusiasts, film buffs and music lovers from all over the world.
Pyrène Mary-Savi