In 2025, the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris will celebrate its 100th anniversary, and MEC is getting ready to celebrate in style!
Unique in its kind, our multicultural, multidisciplinary campus teems with young students, artists and researchers all participating in the creation of tomorrow’s world. For a century, La Cité has served as a place to live, meet new people, and develop personally and professionally for thousands of people from the four corners of the globe. It’s an unparalleled environment that deeply deserves to be commemorated.
Founded following the First World War, the CIUP aimed to strengthen international ties by creating a climate of peace and openness to the world. At the time, the difficult living conditions of Parisian students, the housing crisis, and global geopolitical tensions made this project essential. Thanks to André Honnorat, former Minister of Public Instruction, and Paul Appell, mathematician and Rector of the University of Paris, this vision was realized in 1925. Indeed, the very first residence, financed by a major patron of the arts, was named the Fondation Emile et Louise Deutsch de la Meurthe, in tribute to his wife and himself. Following this inauguration, the National Foundation was established, laying the groundwork for the future development of this utopian project.
Over the years, various donations and the collaboration of influential figures have driven the campus’s intercultural and territorial evolution. The complete development of the site spanned nearly a decade, carried out by talented architects who skillfully combined buildings, walking areas, and sports fields. The remarkable generosity of philanthropic patrons fueled the construction of 19 houses within the first fifteen years. Notably, the Maison des Étudiants Canadiens was established as the first international house in 1926, thanks to the efforts of High Commissioner Philippe Roy and funding from Canadian Senator Joseph-Marcellin Wilson. Next year, we will proudly celebrate our own centennial anniversary!
In the aftermath of the Second World War, pacifist ideologies remain relevant. The damage caused by the occupation of Allied troops and German armies was quickly repaired in a campaign to restore the heritage of the Cité. This builder’s impetus enabled the reconstitution of damaged sites, as well as the construction of new houses from prestigious schools and states. Internationalization also attracted young countries born of decolonization, bringing the founders ever closer to their initial ideal of intercultural synergy. Eventually constrained by the urbanization of the surrounding landscape, the Cité internationale had to stop growing. We have to wait until 2012 to glimpse new prospects for expansion.
For 100 years, the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris has enabled the coexistence of different nations, architectural styles, ideologies and industries, making it an incomparable place on a global scale. At MEC, we’re proud and grateful to be taking part in the celebrations of this memorable milestone in the Cité’s history. Numerous special events are planned for the occasion. Stay tuned for details!
To learn more about la Cité internationale or Maison des étudiants canadiens.