Galerie Rabouan Moussion

location Paris, France
date 2015
client Jacqueline Rabouan and Caroline Moussion
program cultural
surface 350 m²
status completed
design team Studio Akkerhuis with AVA

For the conversion of a former lampshade workshop into a contemporary art gallery, Studio Akkerhuis wished to respect and maintain the features of the original space while adapting the layout to the need for the new exhibition space.

The interventions are minimalistic. The materials used for the renovation are basic: untreated black steel, raw concrete and glass. A storage volume is placed in the central area.

Together with the new entrance directly off the 18th century courtyard, a sequence of spaces and passages is created, each with their individual character and qualities. The passages are very suitable for intimate viewing whilst the first larger space has the character of a French salon and is suitable also for video projection.

The largest space at the end of this sequence is the ‘loft’. With its six-meter high ceiling and large walls it is perfect for larger installations and artworks. Towards the end of this space a free standing wall terminates the perspective from the street: through the courtyard, entry and gallery spaces, one can see the artwork. This will visually draw visitors into the gallery. Behind this wall a semi public storage space is created. Like a Parisian bric-a-brac, visitors can browse through the gallery’s precious reserves, wondering if they can find a little ‘catch’. A bespoke black steel stair is designed to give access to a mezzanine.