I won’t share my thoughts on the Fondation Louis Vuitton. The building designed by Frank Gehry in the “Deconstructivism” style took 8 years to build and cost almost €800 million. Yes, that is correct. It is located in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris, in the 16th arrondissement. It opened on October 20, 2014.
There was opposition to the building on public land, but a special law was passed by the Assemblee National that the Foundation was in the national interest and “a major work of art for the whole world” and the work was allowed to proceed.
It is an art gallery. The museum’s collection, believed to be a collection of works owned by LVMH and Bernard Arnault, was not on show when we visited. The building will eventually belong to the city of Paris, without the art collection. A sizeable portion of the cost of the building was a tax deduction for the company. I will share 1 thought, I think it is a monument to Bernard and Frank…see what you think.
The building wears an LV brooch.
Inside the auditorium is a bookshop and a small cafe with an ocean theme.
There are many levels and terraces.
This is an installation called “Where the Slaves Live” created in 2014 by Villar Rojas.
This is a model of the building
There are views from the terraces.
There is a large water feature which flows under the building.
The building is certainly an architectural marvel.
Our visit to Paris has come to an end. It has been a wonderful 4 weeks. Paris is beautiful. Everywhere you turn there is something delightful to see and to taste. This will not be the last trip to Paris.
Thank you June and Paul for your company and good advice, you are excellent ambassadors for the city.
Thank you to the other Paul and Xavier for your excellent suggestions.
I have lots more photos of the places we saw and more posts will follow.
Hmmm…. Your thoughts on the… er… “structure…” and mine probably coincide, Debra. I think I’ve seen uglier buildings, but I can’t remember where or when.
By: Rob Mc Artor on October 3, 2023
at 5:10 am
I prefer the one in Bilbao.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 3, 2023
at 6:20 am
Gehry has been a long time fave architect of mine. I enjoyed his documentary.
By: Christine Collins on October 3, 2023
at 5:19 am
He certainly makes interesting buildings.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 3, 2023
at 6:21 am
Modern, futuristic buildings, generally are not well accepted at the beginning. We have lots of examples with the Eiffel Tower, the Pompidou Centre, the Pei pyramid, the Sydney Opera House, the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao… and many more. Given a bit of time everybody loves them and they become symbols of their respective cities.
Personally, I love Frank Ghery’s work. And this one is a good example. Also, it’s location is perfect.
By: Mulino Dominillo on October 3, 2023
at 6:18 am
The cost of it bothered me. I prefer the one in Bilbao.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 3, 2023
at 6:19 am
I think it looks beautiful and a credit to the architects
By: Annie on October 3, 2023
at 8:07 am
It is an architectural spectacle to be sure.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 4, 2023
at 11:52 am
I don’t like being negative Deb, but it doesn’t fill me with awe nor a longing to see it. What did stand out to me was the incredible number of steps to negotiate (have experienced that here in Brisbane & wished for escalators). The views looking out were beautiful.
By: Camillus Davall on October 4, 2023
at 6:01 am
I agree with you. There are lifts to some of the terraces, but not all.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 4, 2023
at 11:54 am
I love Frank Gehry’s work and I think this building is fantastic
By: Elizabeth Valerie Litzow on October 4, 2023
at 9:05 am
I meant to say – stunning photographs showing all the detail – even the screws are stunningly placed – an architectural masterpiece
By: Elizabeth Valerie Litzow on October 4, 2023
at 9:58 am
I like the building in Bilbao, but thus one had little useable space above ground. The cost is ridiculous.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 4, 2023
at 11:57 am
Well – there’s no question its an architectural feat of ingenuity – the model put it in context for me….probably quite overwhelming when experiencing the whole (big) structure. Oh Frank!
BTW – your Dior posting; I was eager to see it but it didn’t come through nor do I see it here in your ‘recents’. A shame to have missed it – still available? Don’t want to miss your exquisite taste and wonderful photography…..thank you.
By: Catherine Rowley on October 4, 2023
at 2:00 pm
The building was a bit overwhelming. I published the Dior post by mistake before it was finished, so I cancelled it. The whole post will appear soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 4, 2023
at 3:22 pm
Thank you for explaining about Dior – I’m looking forward to just how spectacular it will be!!
By: Catherine Rowley on October 5, 2023
at 12:21 am