The Paris Atelier is a studio in a modern six-story building known as “La Cité International des Arts” just 3-4 blocks away from the Notre Dame Cathedral. Almost in the exact center of Paris, on the Right Bank of the Seine and near the Centre Pompidou for the Creative Arts, the Cité has its own metro stop (Point-Marie), banking facilities and is near many shops and stores. The Cité also has its own art gallery and recital hall with curated exhibitions and recital programs for Atelier residents to attend.  Artists from all nations work in the 300 art and music studios. As the Cité is a community of practicing artists/musicians, use of an atelier is for creative work rather than research and writing. Artists and musicians are encouraged to present their work in open studio events and concerts that can be scheduled in the auditorium.

In 1966, a private donor and eleven Virginia colleges and universities contributed $20,000 for a 99-year lease for a studio that qualifying Virginians could rent, reside and work alongside other artists and musicians. In 2024, the non-profit Friends of the Virginia Center raised $44,000 in funds to complete a full renovation of the studio. Donors were principally artists and musicians who had stayed in the Virginia Center previously. A loan was initiated in 2025 to re-pay the renovation balance remaining after an initial fund drive.