Situated in the former industrial belt of eastern Paris, Pantin is a prime example of the transformative energy sweeping through Paris’s suburbs.
Pantin, often likened to Paris’s version of Brooklyn, has transformed its industrial past into a hub of cultural dynamism. Its old factories and warehouses have been repurposed into trendy loft apartments, art galleries, and thriving music venues.
Pantin has attracted artists, creatives, and startups, partly due to the availability of larger spaces and lower rents compared to central Paris. The town hosts several notable cultural institutions, galleries, and performance spaces, seamlessly blending its industrial roots with modern creativity and street art, alongside a commitment to sustainable development and eco-friendly projects.
Coming out from the metro station Eglise de Pantin, the first mural you’ll stumble upon is a masterpiece by the Dourone duo, part of their series dealing with consolidation and fragmentation to explore the notion of time in the 21st century. Dourone’s mural “00:00.02 – Pantin – 2019+ – Marine” honors the Franco-Vietnamese model Marine Belin.
- Read also: “Exploring Street Art in Paris: A Comprehensive Guide to All 20 Arrondissements and Beyond!“
Street Art in Pantin: Le 27 îlot
Pantin is also the site of the street art initiative Le27 Pantin, which has transformed a social housing block into a vibrant cultural trail adorned with street art, spearheaded by two local women: Eva Greiffemberg from “La Maison du Projet” and Fanny Carlotti, director of the kindergarten situated in the middle of the îlot, French for block.
Their vision was to revitalize the housing complex, home to many families, turning it into a cultural pathway that draws visitors from across the city to explore what was once a secluded area. Initiated in 2021, the project kick-started with the unveiling of 30 pieces crafted by French street artists, and it continues to flourish by welcoming new artists to contribute their work every few months.
Here are some of my favorites street art pieces at Le 27 Pantin:
Pantin Street Art Map
What to See in Pantin, the Brooklyn of Paris
Over recent years, Pantin has undergone significant urban renewal and has become known for its vibrant cultural scene, particularly in the fields of contemporary art and music.
My recommendation is to enjoy a stroll along the Canal de l’Ourcq with its waterfront lined with cafes, restaurants, and music venues, offering a unique experience just a stone’s throw from Paris’s bustling tourist heart.
Contemporary Art at Thaddaeus Ropac Gallery in Pantin
Located within a former boiler factory spanning over 4,700 m², the Thaddaeus Ropac Gallery offers free admission to a contemporary art space featuring works by notable contemporary artists like Georg Baselitz, Alex Katz, and Anselm Kiefer. It also represents esteemed estates including those of Robert Mapplethorpe, Robert Rauschenberg, Elaine Sturtevant, and Andy Warhol. My personal highlight of the visit was the 19th-century building itself, which has preserved its industrial allure, marked by a striking red brick facade.
Performing Arts at the Centre National de la Danse in Pantin
The National Dance Center, a leading establishment for dance and choreography, occupies a building that once served as an administrative space, crafted from concrete in the characteristic brutalist style by Jacques Kalisz in 1972. It has hosted performances by renowned figures such as Angelin Preljocaj, Robyn Orlin, and Régine Chopinot, while its rehearsal studios are a nurturing ground for the finest emerging dancers and choreographers.
Atop its upper terrace, the Mingway café-restaurant offers an expansive view of the city.
Live Music, and Craft Beers, at Les Magasins Generaux in Pantin
Constructed in 1931 along the Ourcq canal, this remarkable concrete structure spans 20,000 sqm, with 1.4 km of gangways that once facilitated the arrival and departure of duty-free goods.
By 1958, the Magasins Generaux employed over 120 workers. However, the 1960s and 1970s brought significant shifts in the agricultural food industries, adversely affecting the operations within the building. Consequently, at the dawn of the 2000s, the Magasins Generaux ceased operations.
Today, the former general store has been repurposed to a multiple-floor event space, home to the Dock B brewery, along with various other businesses exuding a hipster vibe.
Truth be told, I had this building saved in my Paris bucket list for a long time, so long that it doesn’t look anymore like the graffiti heaven I’ve been dreaming of visiting: a huge, abandoned building completely taken over by graffiti writers and street artists, in an organic, spontaneous, unplanned way.
The project, known as “Graffiti General,” can still be seen on this website boasting a virtual 3D model specifically built to preserve the building’s street art era. Additionally, you can find many photos of it on Google Arts & Culture.
Have a look, it’s truly amazing! Too bad I couldn’t bring you there earlier!
Exploring further East: Contemporary Art in Romainville
A bit further east, just a brief bus journey from Pantin, you’ll find Romainville, a place with roots stretching back to its days as an industrial hub of Paris in the 19th century. A pivotal aspect of Romainville’s history are its gypsum mines, crucial for the production of plaster of Paris. These extensive mines were a cornerstone of the area’s economy. Although no longer operational, their influence on the landscape and local heritage remains indelible.
My journey to Romainville was fueled by a desire to visit the exhibition space focused on urban art, managed by Quai36. This notable organization champions urban art initiatives in Paris and across France. Having followed and admired their dedication for years, I was eager to visit their gallery and headquarters in person.
During my visit, the venue was showcasing a solo exhibition by Yann L’Outsider, a French post-graffiti artist renowned for his innovative approach to graffiti.
Additionally, I discovered through Google Maps that this building also houses various contemporary art galleries and spaces, such as Galerie D., Air de Paris, and 22,48m2. Regrettably, my visit coincided with their closing time, leaving me no opportunity to delve into Romainville’s contemporary art scene further.
However, this gives me the perfect excuse to return to the northeastern outskirts of Paris! Stay tuned!
Pantin Travel and Street Art Map
