Les Frigos.

In an area slated for redevelopment on the Rive Gauche between the Seine and the Bibliotheque Nationale, Les Frigos is inconsistent with the modern structures that surround it. Originally a refrigerated warehouse with trains passing through, “Les Frigos” is the French word for refrigerators. With the closing of Les Halles Market in the 60s, the refrigerated warehouses including Les Frigos saw their demise. An artists’ squat, it was sited for demotion in the mid-80s. Quoting those who supported its demolition, “Vous etes le germes de vie du quartier futur,” it’s apparent that the graffiti covered structure provoked controversy. Nonetheless, artists formed a coalition to save Les Frigos and establish a community where they could both live and work. Its supporters view it as a modern example of integrating artists into a city in general and Paris in particular. Currently, artists of different disciplines are in residence at Les Frigos. It opens to the public one weekend each year in the spring. Special expositions are listed on its site, www.les-frigos.com, along with contact information for individual artists if you wish to schedule a “rendez-vous.” Les Frigos, really cool.

Les Frigos, 19 rue des Frigos [13e].
Metro: Bibliotheque F. Mitterand.
www.les-frigos.com