The destruction of the Institut Curie is still looming, and on Monday, nine century-old trees from its pavilion were cut down. This is a tragedy for the opponents of the demolition of the building and its heritage.
The shadow of destruction still hangs over the Institut Curie. On Monday, October 9, nine century-old trees were felled next to the Art Deco pavilion. This is a preview of what the building itself will face, as it is set to be demolished in favor of a newer and larger structure.
The cutting down of the trees has caused concern among local residents, as well as internet users and officials. In the morning, Rachida Dati stated on X that she had discussed the matter with the Minister of Culture, Rima Abdul Malak. The Parisian elected representative requested a “reassessment of the demolition” of the Institut Curie.
“The relevance of the project must be evaluated, and the replanting project must be specified, as demanded by the architect of the Buildings of France,” she explained.
The minister also informed Rachida Dati that she had commissioned experts from the Drac Île-de-France to conduct an independent analysis of the heritage value of the building.
“We fought with Rachida Dati to save both the brick building and the century-old trees on this plot of land,” emphasizes Anne Biraben, Paris councilor elected in the 5th district (Changer Paris group) on BFM Paris Île-de-France. “A hundred years to grow, a morning to disappear.”
The elected representative recalls that in January 2020, the Commission of Old Paris had requested the historic monument classification of this Roger-Henri Expert building. “This project continues despite the Commission of Old Paris issuing two unfavorable opinions.”
On the other hand, the city of Paris regrets the cutting down of the trees. “If we adhere to the urban planning rules, we are obliged to say yes,” explains Emmanuel Grégoire’s cabinet.
“But does it suit us? No. The project has undergone lengthy exchanges to arrive at a more acceptable version.”
“We must respect the heritage, but it is also important to have a hospital facility in the heart of Paris,” he continues.
The building, which served as a storage place for raw materials for Marie Curie’s research, is to be replaced for an extension project of the Pierre-et-Marie-Curie-Val-de-Grâce campus.
Nicolas Dumas with Juliette Moreau Alvarez
