up perspectives and reveal decorative elements (statues, glass ceilings, pillars), some of which were discovered for the first time (floor mosaics). Atelier Senzu, a young architecture firm, was chosen to design the layout of the Grand Palais, in addition to the restoration project overseen by Chief Architect for Historical Monuments, François Chatillon. The strong environmental ambition of Atelier Senzu s project resonated perfectly with contemporary challenges, which are central to our intentions for the Grand Palais project, both in architectural terms and for its artistic and cultural project once open. Artists were invited to share their perspectives on the Grand Palais. The writer Maylis de Kerangal offered her insight into the project via sensitive and literary chronicles, the photographer Marguerite Bornhauser revealed its poetic potential, while the visual artist Nayel Zeaiter created a nearly one-kilometre-long fresco that told the century-old story of the monument while forming a fence around the building.

Sustainable development becomes a priority In terms of sustainable development, we laid the foundations for a strategy through our 2021/2025 targets and performance contract. 2021 saw a host of actions implemented. These included the production of more responsible exhibitions such as Experience Goya, which followed strict environmental rules, such as a limited number of loaned artworks, local loans, environmentally-friendly materials, the reuse and recycling of waste, and the modularity and reconversion of the scenography. Other actions included the limiting of plastic packaging at our bookstores and shops, and the creation of a new mobile, eco-friendly bookshop for the Centre Pompidou. Moreover, the Grand Palais restoration begun this year was designed to be an exemplary project in terms of environmental impact. Finally, the institution continued its work to promote equality in the workplace and, for the second year in a row, scored 99/100 in the Professional Equality Index. This is an approach that underpins every part of our organisation. More than ever, our essential mission to disseminate culture, in Paris, throughout France and abroad, be it through our cultural programming, our cultural engagement activities, our bookstores and shops or our publications, must be in line with the world we live in, taking account of its demands and echoing its major questions.

Chris Dercon, President

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