How Egypt Inspired the Columns of Paris’s Palais d’Iéna

A little-known connection between Egypt and one of Paris’ most distinctive modernist buildings took centre stage this week, as French and Egyptian cultural figures gathered at the Palais d’Iéna to explore the Egyptian inspiration behind its architecture.

'From Luxor to Paris: Perret’s Columns' was organised by the Co-construire Endowment Fund, ahead of the European Heritage Days. The evening brought together figures from the worlds of architecture, heritage, diplomacy and the arts to highlight the relationship between French architect Auguste Perret’s work and Egypt.

The story begins with a view from Perret’s hotel window in Egypt. While observing the trunks of palm trees, the architect conceived the distinctive form of the columns that would later define the Palais d’Iéna’s hypostyle hall, tapered structures that are wider at the top than at the base.

“It is with immense pleasure that we come this evening to a remarkable place on an occasion that marks the beginning of a new stage for the Palais d’Iéna, while allowing it to continue hosting debates and meetings in the best conditions,” said H.E. Dr. Tarek M. Dahroug, Ambassador of Egypt to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.

The evening combined architectural heritage with artistic programming. A storytelling tour, developed in collaboration with the Périmony School of Acting, preceded the official remarks, followed by a performance from Franco-Egyptian mezzo-soprano Farrah El Dibany in the Palais d’Iéna’s hypostyle hall. El Dibany, a recipient of the AROP Prize of the Paris National Opera, performed songs by Dalida alongside other pieces.

The gathering also came as the Palais d’Iéna prepares for its first major interior restoration since its construction. The work will begin with the building’s hypostyle hall and include the restoration of 972 terrazzo slabs, laser cleaning of its reinforced-concrete surfaces, an upgrade of the lighting system and the restoration of its glazed frames.

The project is estimated to cost more than EUR 8 million, with the Co-construire Endowment Fund having raised EUR 750,000 so far. Alongside the restoration, the Fund has launched an 'Adopt a Column of the Palais d’Iéna' campaign, inviting companies and individual philanthropists to contribute to the preservation of the landmark.