Designed by architect Marcel Raby, the station was built in open cut. The centre of the station is taken up with a vast mezzanine bisected by a long ticket barrier. This space, as well as a secondary access to the Angrignon platform, allows the station to handle very large crowds from the Olympic Stadium. The mezzanine gives direct underground city access to the Stadium. The station has two exits of its own, one incorporated into the stadium's parvis, and another across the street.
Accessibility
In 2020, work began to make the station universally accessible at a cost of $81m.[5] The work included the installation of four elevators, widened staircases, as well as extensive station renovation.[6] The project was completed in November 2022, making Pie-IX the Metro's 22nd accessible station.[6]
Artwork
The station includes four Olympic-themed works of art: three sculptures by the architect Marcel Raby featuring different takes on the Olympic rings,[7] and one long mural in concrete and aluminium by Jordi Bonet entitled Citius, Altius, Fortius ("stronger, higher, faster" - the motto of the Olympic Games).[8]
As part of the work to make the station accessible, an artwork by Francis Montillau was installed in spring 2023.[6]
Origin of the name
This station is named for Pie-IX Boulevard (pronounced pee neuf). This street was named in 1912 for Pope Pius IX (1792–1878), elected Pope in 1846.
Connections
From 2023, the station will also connect to the new Pie-IX BRT at Pierre-De Coubertin Boulevard. Unlike other BRT stops on Pie-IX Boulevard, the Pierre-De Coubertin stop will be located curb-side for easy access to and from the Metro station.[9]
