The realisation of a Maison d’Egypte
In 2017 the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, announced the creation of a Maison d’Egypte as a part of strengthening the academic cooperation between France and Egypt. This project was realised with the laying of the foundation stone on the 9th of December 2020.
Egypt, the 3rd country to join Cité 2025
The Arab Republic of Egypt is the third country to join the Cité 2025 project after the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China. On the 12th of October 2017, Khaled Abdel Ghaffer, Egyptian Minister of higher education and scientific research and Frédérique Vidal, Minister of higher education, research and innovation, expressed their desire to strengthen the academic cooperation between Egypt and France. The construction of the Maison d’Egypte at the Cité internationale is a major commitment by the Arab Republic of Egypt towards this goal.
It will act as a hub for the academic and cultural influence of Egypt in Île-de-France It will also allow for the diffusion of Egyptian culture to the Parisian public thanks to a multipurpose room that will welcome cultural, academic and artistic shows. For its construction, the Chancellerie des Universités de Paris allocated a 1,915 m² plot of land to the Arab Republic of Egypt. Upon completion, Egypt donated the building to the Universities of Paris, as is customary for all residences at the Cité internationale.
An ambitious architecture at the crossroad of the cultures of the world
Fully funded by Egypt, the building was designed by Sam Architecture and Dar Arafa Architecture. It offers 195 units (185 rooms, 7 studios and 3 two-room apartments). The rooms all have private bathroom facilities, but in keeping with the tradition of the Cité internationale, meals are prepared in the eight shared kitchens located on each floor. The residence also includes a student common room, two study rooms, a gym, two music studios and a 200-seat multi-purpose hall. A rooftop solarium completes these communal spaces, encouraging interaction and exchange.
Through its architecture, the building forges a link between Egypt and France. Its ochre concrete façade reflects the mineral, monolithic spirit of Egyptian constructions. It is engraved with ancient Egyptian texts that explore the quest for knowledge.s.
Nature is at the heart of the project, with the preservation of the copper beech outside and an Egyptian-inspired garden upstairs.
Community life within the residence, as well as access to the rooms, is organised around an atrium bathed in natural light. An indoor garden featuring Egyptian plants echoes the outdoor garden, creating a dialogue between the two.
A major urban and landscape project
The Cité internationale had not increased its accommodation capacity since 1969. The Cité 2025 project is based on an ambitious development plan which, beyond the construction of 10 new residences, also includes the enhancement and extension of its park.
Discover our Heritage Centre
Would you like to learn more about the heritage of the Cité internationale ? Our Heritage Centre offers guided tours and a permanent exhibition space. Throughout the year, it also organises events inviting the public to explore the urban, architectural, landscape and artistic evolution of this truly unique site.
