Buildings that have since been demolished, historic courtyards, archaeological excavations, and neighborhoods photographed just before their transformation: for over a century, the Commission du Vieux Paris has preserved the memory of buildings that have, in some cases, completely disappeared. For Heritage Days 2026, its archives will be open to the public on an exceptional basis during guided tours organized on Friday, September 18.
Founded in 1897, the Commission du Vieux Paris continues to this day to review projects that could alter the capital’s architectural heritage. Behind this work lies a relatively little-known documentation center, usually accessible only by appointment, where administrative files, historical studies, and, above all, a significant photographic collection are preserved.
Thousands of photographs of a Paris that no longer exists
The most interesting part dates back to 1916, with the creation of the “Artistic and Archaeological Archive.” The goal at the time was simple: to photograph, arrondissement by arrondissement, the buildings considered remarkable enough to be documented or protected.
Between 1916 and the early 1930s, more than 6,200 photographs on glass plates were taken for approximately 2,000 files. Mansions, apartment buildings, public buildings, industrial sites, and old cellars are sometimes captured there shortly before their disappearance. The collection continued to grow as demolitions and major construction projects took place in Paris.
For Heritage Days, two two-hour tours are scheduled, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The group size will be intentionally kept small: each time slot is limited to 15 people, which is likely to make reservations highly competitive. In fact, the City of Paris has announced that ticket sales will open during the first half of September. The tour is completely free, but reservations are required.
Location: Directorate of Cultural Affairs, 11 rue du Pré, 75018 Paris
Hours: Friday, September 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; free with reservation.