The initial planning stages began way back in 2001 when Bernard Arnault met internationally acclaimed award-winning architect Frank Gehry, and after brainstorming, the seed was planted for the Foundation Louis Vuitton. Arnault knew that the site had to be in Paris. He finally settled on the Jardin d’Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne, which, incidentally, also happened to be France’s oldest amusement park that was inspired by London’s Hyde Park, conceptualised by Emperor Napoléon III and his wife, Empress Eugénie in 1860.

It wasn’t however, until October 2006 that the Fondation Louis Vuitton was born. The concept behind the magnifient 11,000 square metre Fondation Vuitton was to have a standalone building as the dedicated hub to the Paris arts and culture scene. It also caters to families as sporting and leisure activities activities as well as children’s playgrounds are available for public use, open 365 days a year.  For a mere €3 entry fee, there is also an offer of free cultural activities and events all year round.

This modernistic colossal structure is made of 12 giant glass sails that house 11 permanent and temporary exhibition galleries, a music auditorium that seats 350, beginning with an inaugural recital by renowned pianist Lang Lang. In fact, it was also the show venue for Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 15 show during Paris Fashion Week last month.
After much anticipation, the Fondation Louis Vuitton finally officially opened its doors to the public earlier this week, on Monday October 27th. The Fashion Glitterati showed their support for this inaugural opening event.

Marion Cotillard

Sofia Coppola, Nicolas Ghesquiere and Michelle Williams

Sofia Coppola

And what a sight it was to behold, like a gargantuan golden nugget that glowed against the evening sky.

Images courtesy of Louis Vuitton