The Paris Olympic Aquatics Centre. From the Olympic dream to an architectural landmark

Facing the Stade de France, the Paris Olympic Aquatics Centre (Centre Aquatique Olympique Métropole du Grand Paris - CAO MGP) occupies a unique place in the history of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. While Paris made the unprecedented choice to rely primarily on existing venues and temporary facilities, the CAO MGP is the only permanent competition venue built specifically for the Games.

Conceived from the outset as a lasting legacy for Seine-Saint-Denis and Greater Paris, this world-class facility now supports the transformation of the local area while addressing key priorities: developing swimming education, encouraging participation in sport and providing elite athletes with state-of-the-art training and competition facilities.

An iconic venue of the Paris 2024 Games

Designed by VenhoevenCS and Ateliers 2/3/4/, the Paris Olympic Aquatics Centre stands out as one of the most significant architectural achievements of Paris 2024. Its design combines sporting excellence, technical innovation and user experience within a building created to host both major international competitions and everyday sporting activities. This dual purpose, serving both the Games and local communities, shaped every aspect of the project. From the horseshoe-shaped stands, visitors enjoy a panoramic view of the Olympic hall, where the main competition pool, diving facilities and various sports amenities come together in a space designed for both competitions and everyday use. This flexibility enables the venue to evolve over time and remain fully relevant long after the Games.

A showcase of environmental innovation

With its flowing silhouette, spectacular concave timber roof structure made from bio-based materials and carefully controlled volumes, the CAO MGP has become a benchmark in contemporary sports architecture. Every design decision reflects a commitment to performance and sustainability. Models of the CAO MGP help illustrate the project's architectural and urban complexity. The building’s shape reduces the volume of space requiring heating, while nearly 5,000 square metres of photovoltaic panels contribute to on-site energy production. The use of sustainable materials, attention to biodiversity and responsible resource management demonstrate the environmental ambitions championed by Paris 2024.

A venue designed for sport for all

Having served as a major competition venue during the Games, the Centre now continues its mission in support of both elite sport and everyday participation. It plays a key role in addressing one of the region’s major challenges: improving access to swimming facilities in a department where aquatic infrastructure remains particularly important. Alongside the competition pool, the leisure pool reflects the ambition to make the venue accessible to everyone, from beginner swimmers to regular users. Athletes, school groups, sports clubs, families and sports enthusiasts now share a facility designed to encourage lifelong participation in sport.

A new destination at the heart of Greater Paris

The CAO MGP was also conceived as a multi-sport destination open to its local community. The fitness areas and strength-training facilities illustrate this diversification of uses. Fitness spaces, padel courts, bouldering walls, a sports recycling centre and social spaces complement the aquatic facilities and contribute to the site’s daily activity. Reception areas, including the Heritage Space, which offers a privileged view over the Olympic hall, further support the venue’s expanding role. Through this diversity of activities, the Centre contributes to the transformation of the Plaine Saulnier district and embodies the ambition behind Paris 2024: to ensure that the Games leave a lasting legacy for the local area, for sport and for future generations.