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La Pyramide: A Brutalist Icon of Abidjan

Discover La Pyramide, Abidjan's iconic Brutalist landmark: a towering pyramid of concrete and history in the heart of the Plateau district.

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La Pyramide, a towering pyramid-shaped building in Abidjan's Plateau district, is a striking example of Brutalist architecture. Designed by Italian architect Rinaldo Olivieri and built between 1968 and 1973, it was intended to be a bustling commercial center, but it never fully realized that vision. Today, it stands as a landmark, a testament to a bold architectural vision, and a subject of ongoing renovation efforts.

A brief summary to La pyramide

  • Abidjan, CI

Local tips

  • Explore the Plateau district: La Pyramide is located in the heart of Abidjan's business district, surrounded by other notable buildings and landmarks.
  • Take photos: The building's unique architecture makes it a great subject for photography.
  • Check for events: Keep an eye out for any temporary exhibitions or cultural events that may be held in or around La Pyramide.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Plateau district, La Pyramide is easily accessible on foot. Head towards Avenue Lamblin, continue until you reach Rue des Jardins. Turn right, and you will see La Pyramide on your left. It's a prominent building and hard to miss.

  • Public Transport

    From other parts of Abidjan, the SOTRA bus is a convenient option. Locate the nearest bus stop and board a bus heading towards Plateau. Get off at the 'La Pyramide' stop. Single trip tickets can be purchased from the bus driver at the rate of 200 FCFA.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Abidjan. You can hail one on the street or use a ride-hailing app. Ask the driver to take you to La Pyramide in Plateau. Fares are negotiable, so be sure to agree on a price before starting your ride. A 5km ride in Abidjan costs about 3000 XOF.

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Discover more about La pyramide

La Pyramide is a high-rise building located in the Plateau area of Abidjan. Designed by Italian architect Rinaldo Olivieri, construction began in 1968 and concluded in 1973. Olivieri sought to capture the essence of a traditional African market within an urban setting, offering a counterpoint to the glass-facaded International Style buildings that were ill-suited to the local climate. The building's architecture is Brutalist, and its truncated pyramid shape rises from a triangular base, featuring a reinforced concrete structure adorned with aluminum slats. It stands over 61 meters tall and comprises 15 floors. Inside, the original design included spaces for offices, studios, a restaurant, an exhibition space, an auditorium, a nightclub, and a supermarket. However, La Pyramide never fully achieved its intended purpose as a commercial hub. Plagued by high maintenance costs, ownership disputes and safety concerns, it has remained largely vacant since the 1980s. Despite this, La Pyramide remains an iconic structure in Abidjan, a symbol of the city's post-independence aspirations and architectural innovation. In recent years, there have been efforts to restore La Pyramide and repurpose it. One proposal, the "Pyramide des arts modernes et de l'histoire d'Abidjan (PAMH'A)" by architect Francis Sossah, envisions transforming the building into a multifunctional cultural space. While the future of La Pyramide remains uncertain, its architectural significance and cultural value ensure its continued presence in Abidjan's urban landscape.

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