Architecture

Le Silo

Marseille

Le Silo, also known as CEPAC Silo, is a performance hall in Marseille’s Arenc district, in the heart of the Euroméditerranée project. It opened in 2011 in a former industrial building that had originally been a grain silo built in 1924 and called the silo d’Arenc. The building was labeled cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture in 2004.

The rectangular structure covers more than 3,000 square meters and was renovated from 2007 onward as part of the district project. The reconversion was designed and executed by C+T Architecture, with collaboration from Ducks Scéno, SLH Ingénierie, and Atelier Rouch. The performance hall was designed by Roland Carta and is modeled after Italian-style theaters with multiple balconies around a central floor. It has a seating capacity of 950 seats, varying by show type. The hall was inaugurated in September 2011 by Mayor Jean-Claude Gaudin, in the presence of Minister Patrick Ollier. In 2014, Caisse d’Epargne CEPAC acquired the naming rights and became the main partner of the performance hall.

Map showing the location of Le Silo in Marseille
Location of Le Silo in Marseille

Nearby Objects

Reconversion into a Performance Hall

Le Silo, also known as the CEPAC Silo, is a performance hall in Marseille's Euromediterranee district, inaugurated in 2011. The building was formerly an industrial structure in the city. Its reconversion was designed and executed by C+T Architecture, with Ducks Sceno contributing as scenography agency. SLH Ingenierie took part in the technical studies, while Atelier Rouch carried out the acoustic studies. The project reflects a coordinated transformation from industrial use to a cultural venue.

From Grain Silo to Performance Venue

Le Silo, originally known as the silo d'Arenc, was an old grain silo built in 1924. In 2004, it was labeled as cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture. The building is rectangular and covers more than 3000 square meters. Its renovation began in 2007 as part of the Euromediterranee district project, and the structure was divided into two separate uses: office space and a performance hall.

Several teams were assigned specific parts of the project. Roland Carta of C+T architectes designed the performance hall, Ducks Sceno handled the scenography, Atelier Rouch worked on the acoustics, and Eric Castaldi managed the renovation of the office area. The performance hall was designed in the style of Italian theaters, with multiple balconies surrounding a central floor. It has a total seating capacity of 950 seats, although the number can vary depending on the type of show.

The CEPAC Silo was inaugurated in September 2011 by Mayor Jean-Claude Gaudin, in the presence of Minister Patrick Ollier. In 2014, Caisse d'Epargne CEPAC acquired the naming rights, and the building became known as CEPAC Silo. Caisse d'Epargne CEPAC had already been the main partner of the performance hall since its opening.

Location and Access

Le Silo, identified here as CEPAC Silo, is located at 35, quai du Lazaret in the Arenc district, in the heart of the Euromediterranee project. It is served by the Marseille metro and tramway at the Joliette and Euromediterranee - Le Silo stations. Although it is close to highway A55, it is not accessible by that route. The building is also visible from the top of the footbridge, and its architecture is recognizable by its cylindrical volumes.