'TRIPOSTAL'

Following the same line as the transformation project of Lille ‘Saint Sauveur’ train station, this former Mail Sorting Centre (‘Tri postal’) has found a second youth hosting a Cultural Center.

Lille City wanted the preservation of this old building and it was made possible when it became the European Capital of Culture in 2004. The Tripostal is ideally located in the city center between Lille Flandres and Lille Europe train stations. It is neither an Art Center nor a museum, but a place for living and meeting based on a network of three 2,000 square metre (21,500square feet) lengthwise platforms that provides exceptional flexibility of scenographies.

In 2010, Franklin Azzi was called in to design the Saatchi exhibition. The place, at that time, was plunged into dark. He then proposed an overall repainting in white, and the creation of large picture rails hung upon the walls. Since then, the Tripostal has become a venue of excellence serving Contemporary Art. It hosted exhibitions such as the “25^th Anniversary of the Perrotin Gallery” and the CNAP “Collector” exhibition, France's largest collection of modern and contemporary art.

Saatchi Gallery became one of the most important and dynamic contemporary art collections of our time by shedding light on the works of some of the most emblematic artists as well as young creatives. In addition, the Tripostal is a hub for leisure, art, parties, events, catering and even for kids. It became a cultural and artistic institution by proposing both friendly, welcoming atmosphere and ambitious programme.