LE CARREAU DU TEMPLE
THE NEW TEMPLE OF CULTURE IN LE MARAIS
THE TEMPLARS IN LE MARAIS
In the twelfth century, the lands that constitute the enclosure of the Temple (called enclos du Temple) were donated to the Templar knights by the king. Surrounded by a majestic 8 meters high protective wall, the enclosure was reinforced in the thirteenth century by the Tower of the Temple. After the failure of the Crusades, the Templars were enriched and were arrested on their return from the Holy Land by Philippe IV. The Order was dissolved in 1312.
Le Temple retained its name and became the property of the Grand Priory of France's house and of the Hospitallers, later known as Order of Malta. This Sovereign Order was under the protection of the Pope and enjoyed important privileges such as tax-free advantages. At this time, the enclosure covered 6 hectares, including the area of the streets of Temple, Bretagne, Picardie and Béranger.
Read more about the Templars with Thirza Valois, British author who wrote the best books about Paris' History :
http://www.parismarais.com/marais/uk_the-marais-temple.php
THE END OF THE ENCLOSURE OF THE TEMPLE
In 1788, the "Rotonde" du Temple, included in the enclosure, still enjoyed such privileges and renting a shop was extremely expensive.
The French revolutionnaires took hold of the enclosure and the French royal family was imprisoned in the Tower from August 1792 up to the time of their execution.
The Temple's tower, turned into a place of royalist pilgrimage was demolished in 1808 by Napoleon.
Read more about the last days of the Royal Family at the Temple with Pamela Grant, Thirza Vallois and Olivia Payan.
http://www.parismarais.com/marais/uk_marie-antoinette.php
CREATION OF THE MONUMENT'S CURRENT STRUCTURE
In 1860, Jules de Mérindol won the architecture competition and replaced the wooden frame by a metallic structure. The City of Paris wanted indeed to follow the urban renovation trend launched by Napoleon III and also to avoid any fire. In 1897, the City of Paris bought the concession and in 1904, le Carreau du Temple was chosen to host the first "Foire de Paris". From 1920 to 1933, various tennis clubs used the emplacement to practice. Skate and hockey skate clubs followed.
After World War II, Le Carreau du Temple became the most important spot for second-hand exchange in Paris.
LE CARREAU DU TEMPLE'S REBIRTH
In 1982, the local population managed to have Le Carreau du Temple listed on the Historic Monuments Inventory in order to avoid any risk of demolition.
In 2001 Bertrand Delanoë, Mayor of Paris expressed his willingness to fully restore the monument. A call for tender launched in 2007 gathered 133 propositions. In February 2004, the residents of the 3rd arrondissement had the chance to vote for their favourite project out of a shortlist of 3.
In 2007, the proposal was entrusted to studioMilou that won the architecture competition. The architect Jean-François Milou directed the project.
In 2009, archaeological excavations started before the development work began.
In September 2012, the Mayor of Paris Bertrand Delanoë appointed Jean-Luc Baillet as Managing Director of le Carreau du Temple. He started to develop the project gathering leisure activities, culture and events.
25-27 APRIL 2014, LE CARREAU DU TEMPLE OPENS TO THE PUBLIC
An emblematic project of the 3rd arrondissement
In 2001, Pierre Aidenbaum, Mayor of the 3rd arrondissement, and Bertrand Delanoë, Mayor of Paris decided to breathe new life into Le Carreau du Temple, emblematic spot of the Haut-Marais. The monument rehabilitation project has been the fruit of an innovative participatory democracy process.
The Carreau du Temple rehabilitation project was established after observing that for several years, the place insufficiently used and exposed to pressure from property developers. It had even been threatened by demolition in order to create a car park.
In 2002, the Town Hall of the 3rd arrondissement involved local residents in the project of which aim was to create a friendly and accessible place for the neighbourhood. Public meetings, neighbourhood councils, work groups, Internet forums, competitions for creative ideas… all sort of consultations took place in the arrondissement.
Any people aged over 15, living, working, attending school in the 3rd arrondissement were invited to vote to choose the future of Le Carreau du Temple. In order to facilitate the vote and to reach a great number of voters, an itinerant voting office was set in a bus. It was a first and historic participatory democratic experience in Paris. The 3rd project finally won the majority of votes, with its programme for multi- disciplinarian activities combining culture, sport and events.
A NEW FLAGSHIP TO BOOST THE "HAUT MARAIS"
This result has been considered during the establishment of the final proposition by the project management Cabinet. It was structured around 3 main ideas:
- Multipurpose "Halles" with economic activities (trade shows, fashion shows, corporate events) cultural activities (concerts, major events, exhibitions) and sport's activities;
- Rooms created for specialized sports: dojo, dance studio, gymnasium
- Cultural spaces: theatre with 250 seats, sound studio
Following the project initial direction, Le Carreau du Temple offers cultural, artistic and sporting activities. It will host a great number of large public events.
Le Carreau du Temple will be inaugurated on 25 April after a progressive opening, with reservations for special rental (March and early April).
Le Carreau du Temple's editorial line highlights multidisciplinary activities: sport, arts, fashion, design, concerts, exhibitions, shows will coexist in harmony inside Le Carreau du Temple. The programme consists of "home" projects, activities in partnership with Parisian and national institutional structures and of artistic residencies. Le Carreau du Temple is an incubator of projects that will be developed and embellished with the art partners, the cultural structures and the future exhibitions. International projects are also part of the interest. The level of mixed economy of both private and public sectors is exclusive in that sector, in Paris.
ENJOY THE FIRST JAZZ BAND WHO INAUGURATED THE CARREAU :
Association des parents d'élèves du Conservatoire du Centre de Paris :
Facebook - Video
SHOULD YOU WISH TO CREATE YOUR OWN EVENT
AT THE NEW CARREAU ?
DO CONTACT THE CARREAU TEAM AND MANAGEMENT
Le Carreau du Temple
4 rue Eugène Spuller
75003 Paris
www.carreaudutemple.eu
Aurélie Hugnet - Communication Executive
+ 33 1 83 81 93 58 - a.hugnet@carreaudutemple.org
YOU ARE A PHOTOGRAPHER A WRITER, YOU OWN OLD PAINTINGS PHOTOGRAPHS OR DOCUMENTS ABOUT THE TEMPLE AREA
Please contact Maud Prangey at www.parismarais.com
We would be happy to publish your comments and documents !
Drawing by Marion Rivolier - marionrivolier.fr
Many thanks for their help and contributions to Thirza Valois, Pamela Grant, Patrick Badard, Olivia Payan, Linda Bryman, Aurélie Hugnet, Alexandre Sors, the team of the Carreau, The team of Paris City Hall 3, Mr Pierre Aidenbaum, Mayor of Paris' district 3. The Jazz Band of The Paris Conservatory. Photos by Pascal Fonquernie and Florian Meizaud - drawing by Marion Rivolier (marionrivolier.fr)
