Who is Otto von Spreckelsen?

Otto von Spreckelsen was a Danish architect who won an international competition in 1983 to design the Great Arch of La Défense, one of the most ambitious architectural projects in modern France.

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Visionary Architect's Clash with Bureaucracy Shapes Iconic French Landmark

Q: What challenges did Otto von Spreckelsen face with the Great Arch project?

Spreckelsen's uncompromising vision for the Great Arch soon collided with political maneuvering, bureaucratic obstacles, and the harsh realities of construction, making his journey to bring the project to life a difficult one.

Q: When will the film about the Great Arch be released?

The historical drama based on the true story of the Great Arch of La Défense is set to have its U.S. domestic premiere at the AFI Film Festival on October 26th, 2025, and is slated for a wider theatrical release across the United States in early 2026.

20 Oct

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Summary

Danish architect Otto von Spreckelsen wins 1983 competition to design the Great Arch of La Défense
His uncompromising vision collides with political maneuvering and construction challenges
The film about this story premieres at Cannes and will release in U.S. theaters in early 2026

Visionary Architect's Clash with Bureaucracy Shapes Iconic French Landmark

In 2025, a historical drama based on the true story of the Great Arch of La Défense is set to captivate audiences. The film chronicles the unlikely journey of Danish architect Otto von Spreckelsen, who in 1983 won an international competition to design this iconic French landmark.

Propelled from obscurity in Denmark to the helm of a pharaonic project in Paris, Spreckelsen's uncompromising vision soon collided with political maneuvering, bureaucratic obstacles, and the harsh realities of construction. The film, which made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival last spring, offers a glimpse into the architect's struggle to bring his ambitious design to life.

As the film prepares for its U.S. domestic premiere at the AFI Film Festival on October 26th, 2025, audiences will have the chance to witness the drama unfold. The Great Arch is slated for a wider theatrical release across the United States in early 2026, allowing more people to discover this captivating story of perseverance and the pursuit of artistic vision in the face of daunting challenges.

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