Espaces d’Abraxas

The so-called “palace” of Abraxas. Fred Cherrygarden (Atlas Obscura User)

In the Paris suburb of Noisy-le-Grand stands a massive, high-density housing complex sometimes described as a “palace,” known for its postmodern architecture often associated with dystopian aesthetics.

Named Espaces d’Abraxas after the Gnostic deity, it was designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, who sought to create an unusually palatial low-income housing complex, and completed in 1982. The design is simply astonishing, blending Brutalism with Greco-Roman style architecture, complete with an amphitheater-like garden and a temple-like gate, connected with many archways and staircases.

Notably, the complex served as a backdrop for the Terry Gilliam film Brazil (1985), which takes place in a dystopian near-future. It has also appeared in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 (2015), the final installment of the popular young adult series, as a location in the (yet again) dystopian-futuristic metropolis.

Know Before You Go

Noisy-le-Grand can be easily reached by train, either on RER E Line or from Gare de Lyon bound for Marne-La-Vallée Chessy. Many visitors state that the neighborhood can be unsafe so exercise some caution, and needless to say, do not disrespect the residents of the complex.