An urban laboratory where red steel follies collide with nature in a cinematic explosion of space.
The Parc de la Villette (French pronunciation: [paʁk də la vilɛt]) is the third-largest park in Paris, 55.5 hectares (137 acres) in area, located at the northeastern edge of the city in the 19th arrondissement. The park houses one of the largest concentrations of cultural venues in Paris, including the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie (City of Science and Industry, Europe's largest science museum), three major concert venues, and the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris. Parc de la Villette is served by Paris Métro stations Corentin Cariou on Line 7 and Porte de Pantin on Line 5.
Featured in Zaha Hadid Architects's definitive monograph, ZHA: Redefining Architecture & Design.
Visitor Guide
Follow the 'Cinematic Promenade' to see how the landscape changes in frames, like a film reel come to life.
The Folie at the intersection of the Ourcq Canal and the main grid—the red steel pops against the blue water.
Free entry to the park. The individual follies house various programs; some are ticketed museums (like Cité des Sciences).
The red follies are placed on a strict 120-meter grid, but their internal 'deconstruction' is based on the logic of Jacques Derrida.
3-4 hours
Design & Structure
Based on a system of 'superimposition'—layering a grid of points, a set of lines, and a collection of surfaces.
Red-painted enameled steel for the follies; granite paving; expansive green lawns.
Each folly is a 10x10x10m cube that is structurally manipulated through 'permutation'—adding or removing structural components to create new forms.
See Together
Buildings that pair well with Parc de la Villette — they're nearby or share a compelling architectural conversation.
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Vienna University of Economics and Business
St Antony's College, Oxford
Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed Parc de la Villette?+
Parc de la Villette was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and completed in 1979. It is located in Pont-de-Flandre, France.
Where is Parc de la Villette located?+
Parc de la Villette is located in Pont-de-Flandre, France. Its coordinates are 48.8931°, 2.3906°.
When was Parc de la Villette built?+
Parc de la Villette was completed in 1979. It was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.
Can I visit Parc de la Villette?+
Parc de la Villette is a real building in Pont-de-Flandre that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.