Nestled in an elegant 19th-century mansion in Chatou, the Musée d’Art et de Culture Soufis MTO inhabits a tranquil landscape on the banks of the Seine, just fifteen kilometers away from the center of Paris. The building faces the Île des Impressionnistes, which has been immortalized by painters Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Claude Monet.
The building’s renovation was carefully executed to safeguard its history and architectural integrity. The aim was to preserve the original features of the building while creating a contemporary space.
From the outside, the white facade stands out with its Second Empire style.
The interior reveals a dialogue between its historic architecture and contemporary influences. Rather than removing the distinctive features of the building’s design and history, the museum sought to harmonize the diverse architectural elements that are usually discarded in other museums.
From the building’s top floor, visitors can enjoy the view over the museum’s garden, which is inspired by both French and Persian traditions. It is symmetrically divided into four sections that converge around a central monumental fountain.
At the heart of the garden, the fountain is modeled after its predecessor from the memorial garden dedicated to Hazrat Shah Maghsoud in California. Its eight-pointed star shape, in equilibrium on a single point, symbolizes the inner balance sought by Sufis.
The architecture and landscaping of MACS MTO are complementary and symbiotic. After exploring the museum, visitors continue their experience in the garden with a sensory walk that invites contemplation.
The MACS MTO renovation and retrofit project of the building and garden is firmly rooted in a respect for nature and life, and is guided by the Sufi principles of unity and harmony. This approach continued in every aspect of the renovation, from the design stage to implementation.
The museum’s holistic vision has earned it the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification, introduced in the United States in 1998 by the US Green Building Council. This certification recognizes excellence in sustainable and green building practices that enhance the architectural and environmental quality of buildings.
Today, thanks to this renovation, visitors can discover a place that embodies the very principles of Sufism within its walls and garden.
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