Villa Savoye Entry Ticket

The Villa Savoye, commissioned by Pierre and Eugénie Savoye under the visionary design of renowned architect Le Corbusier, continues to serve as a testament to the Modern Movement's aesthetic principles. Since being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016, this architectural marvel stands as a significant landmark within the contemporary architecture landscape.

The Savoye family embarked on the construction of their country residence at the conclusion of the summer of 1928, situated on their property in Poissy. This decision marked their intention to spend weekends with their son and host guests from afar. Their choice of an avant-garde architect, renowned for his innovative designs, was influenced by his earlier work on the Church villa in Ville-d'Avray, where he was recognized under the pseudonym Le Corbusier.

A significant shift occurred in architectural practices during this period, characterized by the adoption of new materials such as concrete and advanced construction methods. Despite these advancements, companies accustomed to traditional masonry faced challenges adapting to prefab manufacturing processes, which were deemed impractical due to the complexity involved.

Le Corbusier's design for the Savoye house transcended mere residential architecture; it became a comprehensive manifestation of his architectural philosophy. The house embodied five key principles of modern architecture: pilasters, a central bay window, a flat roof, a flexible floor plan, and open facades. Each element contributed to creating a unique spatial experience that exceeded conventional notions of domesticity.

Following the onset of World War II, the Savoye family sought refuge in Poissy before relocating to the provinces in early 1940. However, the villa fell victim to German occupation, becoming a strategic observation post overlooking the Seine Valley and Ford factories. Upon liberation, the American forces occupied the estate, leading to extensive damage. The structure suffered severe deterioration: shattered windows, frozen radiators, and deteriorated flooring necessitated thorough reconstruction.

During this period, the Savoye family decided against immediate renovation efforts and instead opted to convert the property into a farming operation, utilizing the house primarily as a storage facility. Eugénie Savoye continued to visit the villa periodically to harvest produce.

In the mid-1950s, Poissy experienced urban growth requiring additional housing solutions. Consequently, the agricultural landscape presented an attractive option, particularly in 1958 when the town acquired the Savoye property with plans to construct a high school. Initially intending to proceed with the development project, the family initiated a transformation of the property into a community center, incorporating the villa as a storage area.

Concerned about the imminent demolition of the villa, local architects formed a committee to advocate for its preservation. This initiative culminated in 1959, when André Malraux, the Minister of Culture, intervened to safeguard the building. Subsequently, the villa was purchased by the state and subsequently transferred to the National Cultural Heritage Agency. Restoration works commenced in 1963, followed by a second phase in 1965, resulting in the villa's designation as a historic monument. Since this landmark status was established, there have been two subsequent restoration campaigns and investigations into the polychrome detailing of the walls.

In 2016, UNESCO recognized the Villa Savoye among 17 other sites designed by Le Corbusier worldwide, contributing to the prestigious World Heritage List.