Description
Lille?s Sainte?Marie?Madeleine church, affectionately known as "La Grosse Madeleine", is one of the most remarkable buildings in Vieux Lille. Built from 1675 onwards, it stands out for its central plan and imposing 55-metre dome, a rare configuration in the region. Its richly decorated choir contrasts with the general sobriety of the architecture, reinforcing its singular character.
Decommissioned in 1989 and subsequently desacralized, the church has been converted since the 2000s into a venue for exhibitions and various artistic events, bringing this heritage to life in a contemporary way. Monumental installations such as that by artist Subodh Gupta can be seen here.
The church is not permanently open to the public. It is only accessible during the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), guided tours and temporary exhibitions, which limits the number of opportunities to explore it freely
