Centre Culturel Suisse (Shopikon)

A dose of Swiss art and culture in Paris

“Those looking for a dose of Swiss art and culture in Paris need not look any further than the busy Rue des Francs-Bourgeois in the Marais, where the Centre Culturel Suisse opened a library in May 2010. The architectural duo Jakob + MacFarlane (the same team behind the Restaurant Georges at the Pompidou) incorporated an edgy, contemporary vibe with oddly-shaped shelves and geometric tables teeming with all the Helvetica references one could ever dream of in order to create the perfect complement to the Center’s gallery and exhibition space. Books focus mainly on Swiss contemporary art, architecture, graphics and literature, but you’ll also find a corner filled with charming children’s books, CDs, DVDs, and a selection of amusing, tongue-in-cheek postcards. The library caters to a diverse audience, from students with a purpose to urban explorers who stumble in by change. After perusing the shelves, pick up a copy of their newspaper, Le Phare, which highlights the Center’s current and upcoming cultural offerings.“