The opening of Large marks a new chapter in the cultural transformation of Île Seguin
On 17 October 2026, Île Seguin will welcome Large, Cultures Contemporaines, a new contemporary art centre set within the former Renault factory site. Opening with Imaginary Engine, an inaugural exhibition curated by Cecilia Alemani, the project is more than the launch of a new cultural venue. It reflects the remarkable transformation of a historic industrial site into a space dedicated to contemporary artistic creation.
From industrial landmark to cultural destination
Long before becoming a cultural destination, Île Seguin was one of the defining symbols of French industry.
For decades, the Renault factories shaped the island’s identity. Thousands of workers contributed to the production of automobiles that became part of France’s industrial and social history. More than a manufacturing site, Île Seguin represented innovation, labour and economic development throughout much of the twentieth century.
Following the closure of the factories, the island entered a new phase. A long-term redevelopment programme gradually reimagined the site, transforming it into a cultural district where architecture, music and contemporary art now coexist.
The opening of Large, Cultures Contemporaines represents the latest milestone in this ongoing transformation.
A contemporary art centre rooted in artistic production
Located within the Pointe des Arts district, Large, Cultures Contemporaines has been conceived as more than an exhibition venue.
Its programme combines exhibitions, artistic production, cultural mediation and public engagement, reflecting the evolving role of contemporary art institutions, where artworks are commissioned and produced as well as displayed.
This commitment is evident from the outset. The inaugural exhibition includes 17 newly commissioned works, created specifically for the opening of the centre.
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Imaginary Engine: reconnecting industrial memory with contemporary creation
To inaugurate the new institution, curator Cecilia Alemani presents Imaginary Engine, an exhibition that draws inspiration from the industrial history of Île Seguin while looking firmly towards the present.
Bringing together almost 120 works by 55 artists from 23 countries, the exhibition combines historical works from the Renault Collection with newly commissioned contemporary artworks.
Themes such as industry, machinery, mobility, innovation and technological imagination form the backbone of the exhibition.
Rather than celebrating the site’s industrial past, the exhibition explores how artists continue to question technology, labour, environmental change and the evolving relationship between humans and machines.
Architecture designed as part of the visitor experience
The architectural design plays a central role in the identity of Large.
Designed by RCR Arquitectes in collaboration with CALQ Architecture, the building favours generous volumes, natural light and carefully choreographed circulation. The architecture becomes an integral part of the visitor experience, encouraging multiple perspectives and new ways of engaging with the artworks.
Rather than acting simply as a container for exhibitions, the building actively contributes to the dialogue between the site’s industrial heritage and contemporary artistic practice.
Industrial heritage as a catalyst for contemporary art
Large is part of a broader international movement in which former industrial sites are being reimagined as cultural destinations.
Across Europe and beyond, factories, warehouses and industrial complexes have become museums, art centres and creative hubs. These transformations preserve architectural heritage while providing artists with spaces capable of supporting ambitious contemporary projects.
Île Seguin now joins this growing network of places where industrial history becomes a foundation for cultural innovation.
A place designed for artists and audiences alike
Beyond its exhibitions, Large, Cultures Contemporaines aims to develop an ongoing relationship with its visitors.
Artist talks, educational programmes, guided tours and public events will accompany the exhibitions, reinforcing the institution’s ambition to make contemporary art accessible to a broad audience.
This emphasis on mediation positions the centre not only as an exhibition venue but also as a place for dialogue, learning and artistic discovery.
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Writing a new chapter in the history of Île Seguin
The opening of Large, Cultures Contemporaines represents another significant stage in the continuing transformation of Île Seguin.
Where automobile production once defined the identity of the site, artistic creation now takes centre stage. Rather than erasing the island’s industrial past, the new institution builds upon it, demonstrating how heritage can inspire new forms of cultural expression.
With Imaginary Engine, Large opens its programme by inviting visitors to reflect on the relationship between memory, architecture and contemporary art—a dialogue that is set to shape the future identity of one of Greater Paris’s most remarkable cultural destinations.
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Large, Cultures Contemporaines is located on Île Seguin in Boulogne-Billancourt, just outside Paris, France. Built on the former Renault factory site, the contemporary art centre is part of the cultural redevelopment of one of France’s most iconic industrial landmarks.
Large, Cultures Contemporaines opens to the public on 17 October 2026, launching its programme with the exhibition Imaginary Engine, curated by Cecilia Alemani.
What is the inaugural exhibition at Large, Cultures Contemporaines?
The centre opens with Imaginary Engine, an exhibition curated by Cecilia Alemani. Bringing together nearly 120 artworks by 55 artists from 23 countries, the exhibition explores the connections between industry, technology, imagination and contemporary artistic creation.
Why is Île Seguin an important cultural site?
Île Seguin was home to the historic Renault factories for much of the twentieth century. Following the closure of the industrial complex, the island was transformed into a major cultural destination, now home to institutions such as La Seine Musicale and Large, Cultures Contemporaines.
What does Large, Cultures Contemporaines offer?
Large, Cultures Contemporaines is dedicated to contemporary art through exhibitions, commissioned artworks, artist residencies, cultural programmes and educational activities. The centre aims to foster dialogue between artists, audiences and today’s major social and cultural issues.
When does Large, Cultures Contemporaines open?
Large, Cultures Contemporaines opens to the public on 17 October 2026, launching its programme with the exhibition Imaginary Engine, curated by Cecilia Alemani.
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