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La Pyramide

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Landmark
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La Pyramide (Côte d’Ivoire)

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La Pyramide is one of the most iconic and controversial structures in the Plateau district of Abidjan. Designed by the Italian architect Rinaldo Olivieri and built between 1970 and 1973, it is an outstanding example of brutalist architecture in West Africa. The building stands out for its unusual pyramid-shaped structure made of raw concrete, originally conceived as a modern shopping and residential center. In the 1970s, it was considered a symbol of the economic miracle of Ivory Coast and the young nation's belief in progress. The design eschews a traditional facade, instead utilizing terraced levels intended to provide natural ventilation. Over the decades, however, the building fell into decay due to a lack of maintenance and political instability. Despite its current neglected state, La Pyramide remains an important object of study for architects worldwide and a testament to bold urban planning. In recent years, there have been recurring discussions about a comprehensive renovation to save this cultural heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272828272726252425262727
Rain mm266313015820126098479918311050

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
La Pyramide is a high-rise in Abidjan that can be freely viewed from outside. Access to the interior is generally not allowed for the public as it is a business building.
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Typical hours
As it is an office building, there are no visiting hours for tourists. The best time for an exterior viewing is during daytime with good light.
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Photography
Photography from outside is easily possible, the pyramid-shaped design is a popular photo subject. A wide-angle lens is recommended for shots of the surroundings.
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Time needed
For the exterior viewing and a few photos, about 10 to 15 minutes are enough. If you stroll in the nearby Plateau district, allow more time.
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Combine with
La Pyramide is located in the Plateau business district, near the Notre-Dame de la Paix basilica and the National Museum. A walk along the lagoon rounds off the visit.
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Getting there
The building is in the heart of Abidjan, easily reachable by taxi or bus. The main Plateau train station is within walking distance.
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Insider tip
Combine the visit with a trip to the other side of the lagoon for a better skyline overview. The sunset bathes the pyramid in golden light.

Geography

Coordinates
5.32480, -4.01920

Facts

  • The building was constructed between 1970 and 1973.
  • Italian architect Rinaldo Olivieri designed the structure.
  • It is a prime example of brutalism in Africa.
  • The pyramid-shaped structure consists of massive raw concrete.
  • Originally, it housed luxury shops and apartments.
  • La Pyramide is located on Avenue Franchet d'Esperey.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Plateau MosquePlateau Mosque<1 km · EExplore →
AbidjanAbidjan2 km · NWExplore →
SANIA Palm Oil FactorySANIA Palm Oil Factory3 km · WExplore →
FILTISAC Packaging FactoryFILTISAC Packaging Factory3 km · SWExplore →
Hôtel Ivoire TowerHôtel Ivoire Tower3 km · NExplore →
Cargill Cocoa FactoryCargill Cocoa Factory4 km · WExplore →
SOTICI PVC Pipe FactorySOTICI PVC Pipe Factory4 km · WExplore →
Henri-Konan-Bédié BridgeHenri-Konan-Bédié Bridge5 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town La Pyramide (1)

Galerie Nour-Al Hayat🎭 culture

Galerie Nour-Al Hayat is an arts centre showcasing a variety of paintings and sculptures by local artists.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is 'La Pyramide'?
An iconic high-rise building in the brutalist style, shaped like a pyramid.
Can you enter the building?
It is currently closed to the public and vacant; it can only be viewed from the outside.
Why is it in such poor condition?
Lack of maintenance and economic issues led to the decay of this architectural monument.
Where is the building located?
In Plateau, Abidjan, at the corner of Boulevard Botreau Roussel.
Are there plans for renovation?
There are recurring discussions about renovation, but no concrete implementation so far.
La Pyramide: where is it located?
La Pyramide is located in Côte d’Ivoire.
La Pyramide: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.
La Pyramide: why is it worth visiting?
La Pyramide is one of the most iconic and controversial structures in the Plateau district of Abidjan.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Abidjan — La Pyramide (Côte d’Ivoire)
Abidjan
Economic metropolis of Ivory Coast.
Anyama — La Pyramide (Côte d’Ivoire)
Anyama
A northern suburb of Abidjan.
Bingerville — La Pyramide (Côte d’Ivoire)
Bingerville
Former capital during the colonial era.

History & landmarks

Plateau Mosque — La Pyramide (Côte d’Ivoire)
Plateau Mosque
A prominent Islamic building in the business district of Abidjan, featuring a striking blue roof.
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CCIA Building
One of the most famous skyscrapers in Abidjan's business district, housing many offices after its comprehensive renovation.
Postel 2001 Building — La Pyramide (Côte d’Ivoire)
Postel 2001 Building
Another distinctive high-rise in the heart of Abidjan, which historically served as a headquarters for telecommunications.
Palace of Justice Abidjan — La Pyramide (Côte d’Ivoire)
Palace of Justice Abidjan
The main courthouse of Abidjan, located in the Plateau district, which impresses with its formal architecture.
Administrative Tower A — La Pyramide (Côte d’Ivoire)
Administrative Tower A
Part of a significant government complex in the center of Abidjan, housing various ministries.
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City Hall of Abidjan
The administrative center of the metropolis of Abidjan, from where the autonomous district is governed.
Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium — La Pyramide (Côte d’Ivoire)
Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium
This historic multi-purpose stadium in Abidjan is named after the first president of Ivory Coast.
St. Paul&#39;s Cathedral — La Pyramide (Côte d’Ivoire)
St. Paul's Cathedral
The Roman Catholic cathedral in Abidjan is known for its unique modern architecture and striking tower.

More places

UNIWAX Textile Factory — La Pyramide (Côte d’Ivoire)
UNIWAX Textile Factory
The leading factory for traditional African wax print fabrics (Pagne) in West Africa.
SANIA Palm Oil Factory — La Pyramide (Côte d’Ivoire)
SANIA Palm Oil Factory
A leading company in the processing of palm oil in West Africa, based in Abidjan.
FILTISAC Packaging Factory — La Pyramide (Côte d’Ivoire)
FILTISAC Packaging Factory
A leading manufacturer of jute bags and plastic packaging, essential for cocoa and coffee export.
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SOLIBRA Brewery
The oldest and largest brewery in Ivory Coast, producing beverages for the national market.
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Cargill Cocoa Factory
One of the largest cocoa processing plants in Abidjan, converting raw cocoa into semi-finished products.
SOTICI PVC Pipe Factory — La Pyramide (Côte d’Ivoire)
SOTICI PVC Pipe Factory
The largest factory for PVC and polyethylene pipes in West Africa, essential for water and construction infrastructure.
Port of Abidjan — La Pyramide (Côte d’Ivoire)
Port of Abidjan
The most important port of Ivory Coast and a central hub for West Africa.
SIR Oil Refinery — La Pyramide (Côte d’Ivoire)
SIR Oil Refinery
The Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage in Abidjan is one of West Africa's largest oil refineries.