Louis Vuitton Foundation, Paris

This beautiful art museum and cultural center, designed by the great Frank Gehry, opened in 2014.
The walk from the metro to the LVF is very enjoyable; near a small forest, and a children's park.

The structure is just magnificent, and it is to resemble a sailboat with its sails inflated by the wind. It sits adjacent to the Jardin d'Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne park in the 16th Arrondissement. It is actually quite serene, the glass makes the building seem less imposing, the trees surrounding it lend it so much life, and the happy sounds coming from the park next door create a pleasant atmosphere. I have always admired the creativity of Frank Gehry, but would consider this to be his best work.

Gehry had to stay within the square footage and two story volume of a bowling alley that previously stood on the site. The floors above the two-story level had to be glass.

We visited on a Sunday at about 2pm, which is normally a busy time, but it seems that we got very lucky. It was really lovely to see the building and the exhibitions without huge crowds. I will return to see the building at night, and during various seasons.

The large stainless-steel LV logo above the cash registers was designed by Gehry as well.

We marveled at the spectacular structure which does not appear as massive until you are inside of it.

The Eiffel Tower is visible from the top floor.

Photos really don't do justice to the size of this incredible building.

I took this photo as we were walking down the staircase; a scary view for those who don't care for heights, like me.

The reported cost of the museum was $143 million, but a French news magazine revealed that the final cost was about $900 million.

There are detailed descriptions of the materials used in the construction as well as models of the project.

The current exhibition is on African art, it will end on September 4th.

We really did not know what to expect, sadly we have not been exposed to high quality African art in the U.S., maybe we did not make an effort to seek it out. So, this exhibition was a real eye-opener, a great treat, and a wonderful experience, I would really recommend it highly.

The Louis Vuitton Foundtion
8, Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi

Closed Tuesdays, their website gives peak visiting hours for each day.
Entrance fee 14 Euro

Joanna

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