Stereographic projection

Since 2021, the Bourse de commerce in Paris has been open to the public, showcasing contemporary art from the Pinault Collection. Its superbly renovated interior offers mathematicians an opportunity to explore… stereographic projections!

Written by

Robert Ferréol

PublishedApril 25, 2023UpdatedSeptember 19, 20261 min read

After three years of restoration and transformation under the direction of several figures, notably Japanese architect Tadao Ando, one of the project’s lead architects, the Bourse de commerce in Paris opened to the public in 2021. Now devoted to modern and contemporary art, the building houses a remarkable heritage collection. Most notably, the inside of its dome bears an immense fresco celebrating global trade across the five continents in the 19^th century.

A map of the world ------------------

In a room on the ground floor, continuing the same theme of showcasing France’s commercial might, there is a map of the world depicted on two discs. Apparently dating from 1865, the painting remains unfinished, and its artist has yet to be identified.

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