The Louis Weil Amphitheater forms part of the central ensemble of the university campus of Saint-Martin-d’Hères, for which Olivier-Clément Cacoub also designed the science library and the administrative building of the Faculty of Sciences. Conceived as a sculptural object on the campus’s central square, the monumental building is characterized by its massive, largely opaque volume and strongly articulated concrete envelope.

The main entrance of the building is framed by two monumental reliefs created by artist Edgard Pillet in 1969 as part of the French “1% artistique” program. Made of molded cement colored black throughout, the reliefs are integrated into the architecture and animate the façade through geometric forms and the contrast between solid and void.

Inside, the building contains a 900-seat auditorium. The interior features leather seats, wood, carpet, and plastic ceiling lights.

In use. The building has retained much of its original architectural character and interior. A 2011 heritage study recommended preserving the sculptural volume and the building envelope facing the central square from alterations. In the early 2020s, an elevator was installed, and the entrance hall and restrooms were renovated to improve accessibility (last updated on August 18, 2026).