Auguste Perret - Palais Iéna

Auguste Perret passed away on 25 February 1954. He was a leading architect in using armed concrete for construction. Some of his major works include the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in the style of Art Déco and the Church of Notre-Dame du Raincy whose tower reminds me of the Empire State Building…

A few years ago, I visited the Palais d’Iéna which houses the French Economic, Social and Environmental Council (did I just lose everybody?). The outside hides very well the amazing architecture of the interior...

Once you enter, you find yourself in a huge reception hall with no walls and nothing but columns supporting the upper floor. Then you will notice the grand stairway which is evidence concrete can be majestic and elegant.

Lastly, the Council amphitheater has a breathtaking skylight composed of glass bricks and ornate with a “space age” chandelier. The Palais d’Iena is another architectural treasure of Paris!