French National Assembly defends €52.8M visitor center project

Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the French National Assembly, has defended a controversial €52.8 million project to construct a new visitor center at the Palais Bourbon. The plan involves replacing the existing reception pavilion with an eight-meter-high structure featuring three underground levels and a glass facade designed by the Moatti-Rivière agency.

The project aims to double the institution's visitor capacity from 200,000 to 400,000 guests annually and improve accessibility for people with reduced mobility. Braun-Pivet described the initiative as “vital” for democracy, noting that modern parliaments require adequate spaces for mediation and public engagement.

The proposal faces significant opposition from political figures, including members of the Rassemblement National, and heritage preservation groups. Critics argue the glass design clashes with the classical architecture of the Palais Bourbon and have voiced concerns over the high cost during a period of tight public finances. A petition against the project has gathered more than 150,000 signatures. Construction is slated to begin in early 2027, with completion expected by 2030.