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Figueras has developed an exclusive solution for Salle 7, combining contemporary comfort with respect for the architectural identity of an iconic and emblematic cinema, recognized in 2025 as the world’s most beautiful cinema by British magazine Time Out.
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The project highlights Figueras’ capability to develop bespoke solutions through design, engineering, and close collaboration with the client.
Le Grand Rex, one of the most iconic cinemas in the world and a cultural landmark in Paris, has awarded Figueras Seating the design and manufacture of the new seats for its Salle 7. The intervention, scheduled for completion by mid-September 2026, will renew the spectator experience through a solution developed specifically for this singular space.
Inaugurated in 1932 and listed as a historical monument, Le Grand Rex is one of the greatest benchmarks in European film exhibition. Featuring Europe’s largest cinema auditorium and internationally renowned Art Déco architecture, the building represents a unique balance between heritage, culture, and entertainment. The renovation of Salle 7 requires a solution capable of elevating current comfort standards without altering the architectural identity that has made the venue an icon of Parisian culture.
“Le Grand Rex represents the type of project where Figueras can deliver the greatest value. Participating in the renovation of one of the great icons of European cinema is a recognition of our ability to develop tailored solutions for spaces with high technical, architectural, and operational demands,” says José Manuel Santiago, CEO of Figueras.
This contract reinforces Figueras’ position in the cinema sector, an area in which the company boasts nearly a century of experience developing solutions for movie theaters worldwide.
“Every space has different needs and requires specific responses. At Le Grand Rex, we worked closely with Mr. Hellmann and Gabrielle Larmet, a partner at ABP Architectes, to develop a solution capable of enhancing comfort and the user experience without altering the room’s personality. That balance between design, functionality, and respect for the space is precisely the value that a bespoke solution provides,” notes Guillaume Thomine, Director of the Cinema Division at Figueras.
Beyond the renovation of a single room, the project reflects one of the primary trends transforming the film exhibition sector: the pursuit of spaces capable of differentiating themselves through comfort, design, and high-quality user experience. In this context, bespoke solutions address the specific requirements of each venue, optimizing both the spectator’s perception and the exhibitor’s operational efficiency.
An exclusively designed solution for Le Grand Rex
The solution developed by Figueras consists of a custom two-seater sofa designed specifically for Salle 7 at Le Grand Rex. The design incorporates a folding central armrest that allows the sofa to be transformed into two independent seats or a shared space, enhancing the feeling of comfort and exclusivity. The combination of velvet and fabric upholstery delivers an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication, while the color palette, inspired by the venue’s emblematic colors, reinforces the Boutique Cinema concept and ensures an elegant, coherent integration with the room’s visual identity.
The seating arrangement has been developed under ecodesign criteria using environmentally friendly materials, combining comfort, durability, and sustainability in a solution conceived to stand the test of time.
“It was essential to find a partner capable of accompanying us in this project with the level of excellence that Le Grand Rex demands. We trusted Figueras because of their ability to understand the specific needs of Salle 7 and develop a solution that combines comfort, quality, and respect for the space’s identity,” highlights Alexandre Hellmann, owner of Le Grand Rex.
With this contract, Figueras continues to consolidate its presence in some of the world’s most prominent cultural and entertainment venues, providing solutions that combine design, engineering, sustainability, and a comprehensive service that supports the client from the early conceptual phases to final installation.
About Figueras
Figueras is a company specializing in the design, manufacture, and installation of fixed and mobile seating systems for public spaces. With nearly 100 years of history and an international presence, it develops solutions for auditoriums, theaters, cinemas, stadiums, arenas, and public venues worldwide.
Cinema has been part of the company’s DNA since its origins. In 1929, the woodworking workshop that would eventually give rise to Figueras manufactured the first benches for the Avenida Cinemas in Barcelona. Since then, the company has accompanied the evolution of film exhibition through solutions that combine design, engineering, and operational knowledge to meet the changing needs of exhibitors and audiences alike.
Today, Figueras offers one of the most comprehensive cinema seating portfolios in the industry, with solutions ranging from boutique cinemas and screening rooms to large-format multiplexes, including specific developments for projects requiring a high degree of customization.
