Le Rhodia Restaurant: A Blend of Gastronomy and Architectural Heritage

Located above the sculptor Antoine Bourdelle’s former studio in Paris, Le Rhodia Restaurant stands as a harmonious blend of historical influence and contemporary design. This café-restaurant, named after Bourdelle’s daughter, Rhodia, seeks to provide a culinary escape for museum visitors, staff, and locals in the Montparnasse neighborhood. The design, by SAME architectes, emphasizes a luminous and welcoming atmosphere that connects the building’s artistic heritage with modern-day culinary experiences.

A Holistic Approach to Restaurant Design

Le Rhodia Restaurant is not just a place to eat; it is an environment that encourages relaxation and reflection. The design approach by SAME architectes integrates elements from the building’s rich past, including the restoration of the original yellow and white color scheme. Working in collaboration with skilled designers and craftsmen, the team has created a space that mirrors the spirit of Antoine Bourdelle’s life and work while offering a calm space for museum-goers to unwind.

This unique venue incorporates carefully selected materials that evoke a sense of connection to the sculptural arts. Geo-based materials such as stone, clay, and wood are featured throughout the space as a tribute to Bourdelle’s legacy. The restaurant’s interior design blends modernism with 1950s vintage elements, including iconic chairs by Olavi Hänninen and Pierre Gautier Delaye, and contemporary lighting fixtures by Céline Wright. This combination of design styles creates a perfect backdrop for both dining and contemplation.

Custom Furniture and Materiality

The restaurant’s furniture has been thoughtfully crafted to enhance the organic ambiance of the space. Custom semicircular travertine tables are positioned at the four cardinal points of the restaurant, providing intimate seating for two to three guests. In the heart of the room, two large family-style tables made from a mix of ceramic and wood serve as central gathering points. The ceramic legs, shaped using a vernacular method by ceramist Cyril Dennery, contrast beautifully with the smooth oak tabletops, emphasizing the earthy materials and their sculptural qualities.

The use of geo-based materials throughout the restaurant continues to connect the space to the building’s history while providing a grounded, organic atmosphere. The ceramic and wood materials echo Bourdelle’s work, and the space itself becomes a tribute to the artisanal traditions that informed his artistic practice.

Outdoor Terrace and Connection to the Museum’s Garden

One of the defining features of Le Rhodia Restaurant is its L-shaped terrace, which overlooks the front garden of the Musée Bourdelle. This outdoor area is designed with minimalistic, metal furniture that does not distract from the art on display in the garden or the architectural richness of the museum building. The terrace allows guests to enjoy a scenic view while still being connected to the cultural history of the museum, enhancing their overall dining experience.

A Link Between History and Modernity

Le Rhodia Restaurant serves as a bridge between the storied past of Musée Bourdelle and its vibrant future. The restaurant’s design honors the historical significance of the location while integrating modern design sensibilities. Through the use of custom-made furniture, the careful selection of materials, and the blending of vintage and contemporary styles, the space creates a unique environment that enhances the museum’s mission and offers a new place for the community to gather.

All Photographs are work of 11h45