Chatillon Architectes' proposal leverages the building's original design to modernize the galleries, expand the public areas, and create a floating walkway. The entrance features a new triple-height atrium and a grand curved concrete staircase, central elements of the project. The new access to the archaeological crypt located in the basement is a key improvement for the visitor experience. This renovation has added new visitor amenities, such as an auditorium, a café, and a bookstore. The latter two lead to a landscaped garden that strengthens the connection between the museum and its surroundings.
The original project extended its structure horizontally to the same height as the Gallo-Roman wall. The horizontal repetition of reinforced concrete vaults and walls defined the interior spaces, which, together with large glass openings, provide views of the cathedral and the Gallo-Roman ruins. The construction of the walkway with metal, wood, and glass creates a sense of lightness that allows the structure to appear to float above the ruins.
Le Quadrilatère by Chatillon Architectes. Photograph by Antoine Mercusot.
Project description by Chatillon Architectes
Beauvais, France — April 2025 – Chatillon Architectes has unveiled the renovated Quadrilatère of Beauvais, a contemporary arts center located between the historic 800-year-old Beauvais Cathedral and the remnants of the city’s Gallo-Roman walls. Through a series of carefully considered interventions, Chatillon Architectes has enhanced the original structure, improved accessibility, and elevated the visitor experience, while supporting the evolving mission of the cultural institution it houses. The design prioritizes cohesion with the building’s existing architectural identity and offers visitors a fresh experience in rediscovering the unique features of the building and the exhibitions showcased inside.
Le Quadrilatère by Chatillon Architectes. Photograph by Antoine Mercusot.
“Designing museums and art centers means creating buildings for environments that are constantly evolving, requiring flexibility and adaptability over time,” says Simon Chatillon, Partner at Chatillon Architectes. “At The Quadrilatère, our focus was on creating a new experience for museumgoers, strengthening the connection between the building, its story, and surroundings, improving accessibility, and providing the museum with lasting design elements.”
Originally designed by André Hermant in 1976, the building stands on the site of Beauvais’ former tapestry factory, destroyed during World War II. To honor this heritage, Hermant’s building housed the National Tapestry Gallery until 2013, after which it was renamed The Quadrilatère and evolved to host a broader range of visual art. The original design, with its structures extending horizontally at the level of the Gallo-Roman wall, contrasts with the verticality of the adjacent Gothic cathedral, which boasts the highest Gothic choir in the world. Designed as a horizontal succession of reinforced concrete vaults, the interior spaces are defined by the walls that support them and by large glass openings that both provide views of the Cathedral and the Gallo-Roman remains, while allowing natural light to fill the space. Chatillon Architectes has built upon this dialogue, enhancing the relationship between the two structures and offering new visitor experiences that reflect the site’s significance.
Le Quadrilatère by Chatillon Architectes. Photograph by Antoine Mercusot.
Upon entering The Quadrilatère, a new triple-height atrium and monumental staircase serve as the centerpiece of the redesign. The sculptural, curved concrete staircase, with its smooth plaster finish, seamlessly integrates with Hermant’s original geometric design. Its oak handrail creates both a tactile and visual connection with the building’s original guardrails, enhancing the flow of movement within the space. Given the original building’s structural complexity with six distinct levels, the Chatillon Architectes’ designed staircase, along with a newly installed elevator, connects all floors and ensures accessibility throughout the building.
The integration of contemporary furnishings — such as the reception desk, bar, staircase, and benches — was thoughtfully designed to echo the architecture through the intentional selection of materials and forms. A new lighting system in the galleries, designed as a curved metal mesh form embedded in the original ceiling vaults, conceals cabling and enhances the acoustic properties of the space. These structures also power the track lighting system and essential security equipment, further enhancing the functionality and ambiance of the galleries.
Le Quadrilatère by Chatillon Architectes. Photograph by Antoine Mercusot.
A key enhancement to the visitor experience is the new access to the site’s archaeological crypt, which was previously inaccessible and only visible through a small window. Designed in collaboration with city archaeologists, a metal, wood, and glass walkway – which appears to float above the ruins – now allows guests to walk through the archaeological crypt and explore the historic layers of the building. An educational trail along the walkway offers insights into the site’s history, with artifacts uncovered during excavations displayed along the path.
The reimagined Quadrilatère boasts a range of updated visitor amenities, including an auditorium with state-of-the-art equipment, a café and bookshop space, a children’s educational workshop, and a new architecture and heritage interpretation center. The café and bookshop lead to a landscaped garden, designed with Studio M, reinforcing the connection between the museum’s interior and its surroundings. The Cathedral's grandeur is prominently framed through direct views from the Quadrilatère’s exhibit spaces, while the garden offers a place for the public to relax and enjoy their environment. Exterior furniture is inspired by Hermant’s original designs and the terrace landscape aligns with the museum’s new architectural language.
Le Quadrilatère by Chatillon Architectes. Photograph by Antoine Mercusot.
Chatillon Architectes enhanced both the architecture of the site and what it has to offer by working closely alongside a scenographer (Agence NC), museographer (Mycelium), lighting designer (ACL), and the city archaeologists. This multi-disciplinary collaboration has ensured a coherent renovation that respects the integrity of the site while offering a museum experience that is contemporary and captivating.
For its inaugural exhibitions The Quadrilatère Arts Center will present four exhibitions exploring dialogues between art and architecture, including works by Cécile Bart, Stéphanie Mansy, Vincent Villain and the exhibition “Formes utiles”, an homage to André Hermant.
