Just outside central Paris, an island once dominated by car factories is becoming an exciting destination for art lovers. Île Seguin, situated on the River Seine in Boulogne-Billancourt, has entered a new chapter with the opening of a large contemporary art centre.

The venue, known as Large, welcomed visitors on 17 October 2026. With ambitious exhibitions, striking architecture and a commitment to supporting artists working in France, it marks a significant milestone in the island's transformation.

From Car Factories To Art

For much of the twentieth century, Île Seguin was closely associated with French car manufacturing.

Between 1919 and 1992, the island belonged to Renault, whose enormous industrial complex became an important part of the surrounding area's identity.

After the factory closed, local authorities began exploring ways to transform the former manufacturing site into a cultural destination.

Several ambitious proposals followed, but financial difficulties and planning complications repeatedly delayed redevelopment.

The new art centre represents an important step towards realising the island's long-awaited transformation.

A Striking New Cultural Landmark

The six-storey building forms the centrepiece of Pointe des Arts, a larger development designed by Spanish architecture practice RCR Arquitectes in collaboration with Paris-based CALQ.

Its exterior combines weathering steel, copper-coloured aluminium and glass, creating a distinctive appearance overlooking the Seine.

Inside, approximately 2,500 square metres are dedicated to exhibitions.

Unlike a conventional museum, Large does not maintain a permanent collection. Instead, it operates as a non-profit organisation focused on temporary exhibitions and public engagement.

The surrounding development also includes an eight-screen cinema, shops and office spaces.

An Exhibition Inspired By History

The opening exhibition, Imaginary Engine, explores the island's industrial heritage through contemporary art.

Curated by Cecilia Alemani, the exhibition brings together works from the Renault Art and Culture Collection alongside 17 newly commissioned pieces.

The concept connects the location's manufacturing past with modern artistic experimentation.

Visitors can encounter different interpretations of technology, machinery, movement and creativity.

This approach allows the building's historical setting to become part of the artistic experience.

Supporting Contemporary Artists

One of the centre's principal ambitions is to introduce audiences to artists living and working in France, regardless of nationality.

Director Paula Aisemberg hopes the venue will attract both international visitors and local residents who may be less familiar with contemporary art.

The initiative is supported by property developer and art collector Laurent Dumas, founder of the Emerige Group.

Dumas has previously promoted emerging artistic talent through exhibitions, commissions and the Révélations Emerige award, established in 2014.

The new centre offers another platform for showcasing creative work and encouraging wider public engagement.

Exploring The Surrounding Area

Île Seguin is becoming part of a broader cultural landscape west of Paris.

The island already accommodates La Seine Musicale, a distinctive concert venue opened in 2017.

Nearby attractions include the Albert Kahn Museum and Gardens in Boulogne-Billancourt, the Musée des Années 30 and the historic ceramics collections in Sèvres.

Visitors can therefore combine contemporary exhibitions with architecture, gardens and regional heritage during a day trip.

The area is also expected to benefit from improvements to public transport, including future connections associated with the Grand Paris Express network.

What The Opening Means For Paris

The arrival of Large reflects a wider effort to develop cultural attractions beyond the French capital's traditional tourist districts.

By transforming a former industrial site into a public cultural destination, the project gives Île Seguin a new identity while preserving connections to its past.

For visitors interested in contemporary art, unusual architecture and lesser-known corners of Greater Paris, the island offers another reason to explore beyond the city centre.

Its transformation demonstrates how historic industrial spaces can find new life through creativity and cultural investment.