Grande Halle de la Villette Concert Venue

Grande Halle de la Villette, located in green Parc de la Villette, wasn't always a slick cultural space for concerts, tradeshows, exhibits, and other events. A former slaughterhouse built between 1865 and 1867, the glass and iron structure was located in an industrial district planned by Baron Haussmann, tucked away in the farther reaches of northeastern Paris.

Of three neighboring market halls Grande Halle de la Villette is the sole survivor, preserved for its remarkable architecture. Covering 220,000 square feet, the building was listed as a historic monument in 1979.

François Mitterrand's Grands Projets to modernize Paris, announced in 1983, included Parc de la Villette. The Grande Halle reopened in its current state in 1985 following a two-year renovation. It received a second facelift between 2005 and 2007.

Past performances at Grande Halle de la Villette include Joanna Newsom, David Murray Big Band & Macy Gray (as part of the festival Jazz à la Villette), and the Pitchfork Music Festival (featuring M83, Sébastien Tellier, Chairlift, and The Walkmen). Grande Halle de la Villette concerts are either held in its Boris Vian auditorium (with seating for 300) or Espace Charlie Parker (for up to 2,050 listeners).