Il était une fois les stades, the sports exhibition at the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine

What better city than Paris for an exhibition on stadiums? Stade de France, Parc des Princes, Jean Bouin... so many sports venues that host matches throughout the year, deconstructed in length and breadth at the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine, from March 20, 2024.

In and around the capital, the people of Ile-de-France can observe the different architectural styles of the stadiums, from the Stade de France to the Parc des Princes, Jean Bouin and even the Stade Charléty. Often rounded, with an oval shape, stadiums are places to celebrate sport, and are filled with strong emotions at every match. In this exhibition, from March 20 to September 16, 2024, the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine traces the evolution of this sporting arena, from its invention to its globalization.

In ancient Greece, the stadium was a unit of length, quickly equated with a large empty space surrounded by bleachers or grandstands. People have always gathered in these arenas, but it was only in the 20th century that the stadium became a public facility, with the rise of mass sports practices, often located outside the city.

Stadia built their own histories and became a veritable part of the national heritage, associated with soccer and rugby teams and their home victories. But their architecture is just as fascinating, linked to the challenges of the sporting world and often to theindividualization of arenas, which demand their own identity. Access to sport for all encourages the proliferation of stadiums, which must be created in collaboration with architects and urban planners. Here, the shape of the stadium must match the movement of the athlete, but also the wave of the public, and must evolve with the times.

Through plans, drawings, archive photographs and numerous models, you'll discover the process that led to their construction, often an architectural feat. A number of sports-related objects, such as cups, shirts and balls, evoke the media coverage of sport, which has had an impact on stadiums, since they need to be lit and soundproofed. Several screens explain the details of creation, a practical support for the whole family! Dedicated to the sportsman, the stadium is just as much for the public, who will be able to rethink their own perception of this immense field and their trips to the stadium during this exhibition.