SNCF’s former maintenance hangars will be transformed into a street art museum
“Les Cathédrales du rail” are set to become “L’Aérosol Saint-Denis” by 2028. These former SNCF maintenance hangars will be transformed into a vast urban culture space in the middle of a sustainable, eco-friendly neighbourhood.
A second life
Following a call for projects, SNCF Immobilier, Plaine Commune1 and the City of Saint-Denis, north of Paris, selected the proposal submitted by the Eiffage Aménagement and Aire Nouvelle2 consortium.
The two 8,400 sq. m. railway hangars—which are listed buildings—were used to repair steam locomotives before being shut down in 1990.
Now, they will be regenerated as a street art and hip-hop site developed in collaboration with urban art and culture entities Maquis-Art and Hip-Hop Citoyens.
A new Saint-Denis neighbourhood
“L’Aérosol Saint-Denis” is part of the City of Saint-Denis’ drive to become European Capital of Culture in 2028. A new cultural and eco-friendly district will be built around the museum.
“L’Aérosol Saint-Denis” is:
1.7
hectares of green spaces for residents and a biodiversity reserve
With
650 trees
planted
And...
650
housing units built
The first “L’Aérosol” was at Porte de la Chapelle
Inaugurated in August 2017, the original “L’Aérosol” in Paris’ 18th arrondissement quickly became the go-to temple of street art. It was created on a disused site lent by SNCF for 6 months. The vast hangar was a huge hit, transforming derelict into a vibrant, festive and cultural space devoted to urban art and popular culture.