La Grande Arche

La Grande Arche tells the fascinating and true story behind one of the most ambitious architectural projects of the 20th century, the Grand Projets with which French President François Mitterrand commissioned a series of modern monuments to reshape Paris.

In 1983, President François Mitterrand launched an international architectural competition for the showpiece of his presidency: the Grande Arche de la Défense, in line with the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. To everyone's surprise, the victory goes to the unknown Danish architect Otto von Spreckelsen. From one day to the next, the 53-year-old Dane finds himself in Paris, where he comes to head this gigantic construction project. Although the architect plans to make his design for the Grande Arche a reality, it soon becomes apparent that his ideas clash with unruly reality and the vagaries of politics.

Director Stéphane Demoustier brings the story to life with suspense and humour, focusing mainly on the psychological development of the misunderstood architect. The lead role is played by Danish actor Claes Bang (The Square), who portrays Otto von Spreckelsen with verve.

Directed by Stéphane Demoustier
With Claes Bang, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Swann Arlaud

Country of production: France
French spoken, Dutch subtitled
drama, 104 min, 2025
12+