| 59 Rivoli | |
|---|---|
 59 Rivoli in 2006 | |
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Haussmann's renovation of Paris |
| Town or city | Paris |
| Country | France |
| Coordinates | 48°51′33″N2°20′44″E / 48.8592°N 2.3456°E |
| Website | |
| www | |
59 Rivoli is an art gallery in Paris, France. Formerly an artist squat that had occupied the space since 1999, it was legalized by the city from 2006 onwards. [1] The venue became known for its parties, exhibitions, and performances. [2]
The building at 59 Rivoli was formerly a branch of the Crédit Lyonnais bank. [3] It was abandoned for 15 years before artists took over the six-storey space and began exhibiting art and hosting parties. [3] The building is from the Hausmannian period of urban renewal and growth in the mid-1800s. [2] The 6 spiral staircase in the middle of the building climbs 6 floors, surrounded by brightly colored murals on the walls and floors. [3]
In 1999, a group of artists including Gaspard Delanoë squatted the former bank building, which had been abandoned for 15 years. [3] [2] The Council of Paris originally planned to evict the artists but backed down when it received positive media attention. [4] After years of 59 Rivoli being a squat, the city of Paris considered evicting the tenants. [3] City officials discovered in 2001 that more than 40,000 people were visiting 59 Rivoli per year, and it was the third most-visited center or museum for contemporary art in the city. [1] Paris city hall bought the building to convert it to a legal space for art studios and tourism. [2] 59 Rivoli was the first conversion to a legal establishment by the ministry in Paris, but the project has continued since 2006. [3]
Between 2006 and 2009, the building was renovated, opening again with 30 artist studios. [4] [1] As of 2019, the contemporary art gallery had 70,000 visitors per year. [2] Artists display and sell works of various media, including paintings, sculptures, and electronic art. [3] In the artist community in Paris, people debate whether the formally established art galleries provide more opportunities for the artists who work there or inhibit the artistic process. [3] Other art squats in Paris include Les Frigos. [2]