Closed Doors at La Défense: Citizen Campaign to Reopen Grande Arche’s Roof Gains Momentum
La Défense, France – A faded, handwritten note affixed to the panoramic elevator kiosk of the Grande Arche – “The roof of the Grande Arche is permanently closed to the public. Thank you all. » followed by repeated thanks – encapsulates decades of unrealized ambition for the iconic Parisian landmark. Now, a renewed push led by concerned citizens is challenging that closure, demanding public access to the structure’s rooftop observation deck.
The Grande Arche, completed in 1989 for the bicentenary of the French Revolution, was envisioned as a modern counterpart to the Arc de Triomphe, completing the historical axis stretching from the Louvre. Though, despite initial plans for public access, the roof has remained off-limits, a source of ongoing frustration for many, including 82-year-old Jean-Louis Subileau, who expressed his disappointment during a recent visit in early 2025. This citizen-led effort seeks to change that, reigniting a debate about the purpose and accessibility of this symbol of La Défense, the capital’s bustling business district.
the story of the Grande arche is inextricably linked to the ambitious building program initiated by President François Mitterrand in the 1980s, which also included the transformation of the Gare d’Orsay into a museum, the construction of the Opéra Bastille, and the development of the Parc de la Villette. the project itself arose from a competition launched during the presidency of Valéry Giscard d’estaing (1974-1981) to determine how best to complete the outlook of the historic axis.
From 424 submissions, Danish architect Johan Otto von Spreckelsen was selected, with Paul Andreu later completing the project. Originally intended to house the International Crossroads of Interaction, and potentially ministries related to urban planning, housing, and the surroundings, the Grande Arche quickly became a symbol of modern France. The ongoing closure of its roof, however, represents a missed prospect to fully realize its potential as a public space, a point now being forcefully made by those advocating for its reopening.
The narrative surrounding the Grande Arche has recently been brought back into the spotlight with the release of The Unknown of the Grande Arche, a film by Stéphane Demoustier, inspired by Laurence Cossé’s novel The Great Arch, which explores the complex relationship between the architect and the political forces behind the project. This renewed cultural interest may further fuel the campaign for public access.
