LA CIGALE

Built in 1887 by architect Henry Grandpierre at the request of entrepreneur Philibert Leclerc, the La Cigale building belongs to a context of intense architectural effervescence in Pigalle. The venue opened the same year as a café-concert. In 1890, the interior décor was redesigned by architect Paul Sallez and painter Adolphe Léon Willette. These first developments reflected a desire to anchor La Cigale in the popular culture of the neighbourhood while placing it within the artistic movement of the late 19th century.

The building has undergone several phases of evolution and works:

• Alterations and embellishments (1894–1920)
• Major transformation for cinema use (1920–1940)
• Progressive deterioration and loss of legibility (1940-1980)
• Revival and requalification (1985–1987)
• Occasional contemporary interventions (1987–2024)

The current project aims to integrate contemporary technical constraints (smoke extraction, air treatment, acoustics), while initiating a broader restoration in the medium term. Some older elements, such as fragments of wall paintings or remnants of mouldings, remain visible but deteriorated. The overall structure of the auditorium, as well as its identity resulting from the 1987 works, are preserved, while localized interventions are planned with heritage considerations in mind.

Objectives of the operation:

• Refurbishment of თითქმის all roofs
• Improvement of acoustic insulation
• Renovation of the main and secondary façades
• Replacement of heating and cooling production equipment
• Replacement of ventilation equipment
• Compliance upgrading and safety improvement
• Refurbishment of electrical sources, the main LV switchboard, the emergency power supply and certain subdistribution boards

Images ©Clé Millet ©Ministère de la Culture (France) ©MPP ©COLAS JOEY ©P. STARK