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La Pyramide: A Brutalist Icon of Abidjan

Discover La Pyramide, Abidjan's iconic Brutalist masterpiece, a symbol of architectural innovation and a testament to the city's modern heritage.

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La Pyramide, a striking pyramid-shaped building in Abidjan's Plateau district, is a prime example of Brutalist architecture. Designed by Italian architect Rinaldo Olivieri and completed in 1973, it aimed to capture the essence of an African market within an urban setting. Though its original purpose as a commercial center was never fully realized, it remains one of Abidjan's most recognizable landmarks.

A brief summary to La pyramide

  • Abidjan, CI

Local tips

  • View La Pyramide from afar to appreciate its unique architectural design and its contrast with the surrounding cityscape.
  • Explore the Plateau district, where La Pyramide is located, to discover other examples of Abidjan's modern architecture.
  • Visit during the day to see the building's structure and the street art that adorns its facades.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    La Pyramide is located in the Plateau district of Abidjan. From most points in Plateau, it is easily accessible on foot. Head towards Avenue Lamblin and continue until you reach Rue des Jardins. La Pyramide will be on your left. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    From other districts in Abidjan, take a SOTRA bus to Plateau. Alight at a bus stop near Avenue Lamblin and Rue des Jardins. La Pyramide will be a short walk away. A single bus fare costs 200 XOF.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Abidjan. Ask the driver to take you to La Pyramide in Plateau. Confirm the fare before starting your journey. A short taxi ride within Plateau should cost around 1,000-2,000 XOF.

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Discover more about La pyramide

La Pyramide, an architectural landmark in Abidjan's Plateau district, stands as a testament to Brutalist design. Constructed between 1968 and 1973, this high-rise building was conceived by Italian architect Rinaldo Olivieri with the intention of encapsulating the vibrancy of an African marketplace in an urban environment. The building's distinctive truncated pyramid shape, rising over 61 meters with 15 floors, is made of reinforced concrete and aluminum slats. Originally intended to house offices, studios, a restaurant, exhibition space, an auditorium, a nightclub, and a supermarket, La Pyramide never fully achieved its commercial aspirations. Since the 1980s, the building has been largely vacant and has suffered from disrepair due to high maintenance costs, ownership disputes, and safety concerns. Despite its state of abandonment, La Pyramide remains a significant part of Abidjan's architectural heritage and a symbol of the city's modern aspirations following its independence. Efforts have been made to restore La Pyramide and repurpose it as a multifunctional cultural space, aiming to preserve its unique architecture and find a viable economic function. Today, La Pyramide's bold form and Brutalist aesthetic continue to stand in contrast to its surroundings, making it a captivating, though non-visitable, landmark in the heart of Abidjan.

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