104 celebrates its first birthday!

104, the art space which inhabits a former funeral parlour in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, celebrates its first birthday this week. The vast and airy space, originally inaugurated in 1874, was converted last year, leaving the steel girders and glass ceilings in tact, but giving way to a contemporary vibe with bright fluorescent lighting and polished cement floors. The rooms that lead off either side of the great halls house different mini exhibitions, and the halls themselves have hosted concerts, most notably that given by trip hop star Tricky last winter. There is much debate as to whether 104 has been a success as there is little cohesion in the centre's activities but the aim of the space was to be an antithesis to museums, and in this capacity it would seem that 104 has indeed succeeded. In any event the pizza van (Pizza 104) within is pretty damn good and the whole place helps in bringing some interest to the otherwise rather gritty 19th...

Le 104, 104 rue d'Aubervilliers, 75019 Paris, www.104.fr