Imagine the scene here in the late 1980s: a dusty square, the mighty Maison Carrée temple across from you, and a group of world-famous architects all competing for the chance to build something remarkable-almost like an architecture talent show, but with fewer sequins. Norman Foster, the British architect whose buildings you might spot in London or beyond, won with this design, and in 1993, the Carré d'Art opened its doors.
As you stand outside, take in the slick, shimmering glass, and the sense that inside, modern creativity bubbles right alongside ancient history. Although the building has nine floors, half of it is cleverly hidden underneath your feet, almost like a magician’s trick-so the view of the Roman temple right ahead isn’t interrupted. Below, there are secret halls for archives and even a cinema, where stories and images flicker in the shadows.
If you listen closely, you can almost hear echoes of the past meeting the energy of contemporary artists and curious readers. This place is all about contrast-ancient gods peering over your shoulder while you browse the trends of today. It makes you wonder who would win in a staring contest: a Roman statue or a trendy sculpture? My bets are on the statue-they don’t even blink!
When you’re ready, let’s walk across to the next landmark, and see what stories the Maison carrée has kept for us.
