The Louis Vuitton Foundation is an exciting choice for a day out and it's within easy reach of the Burgundy Hotel.  The Foundation opened amid much publicity in 2014, and its impressive architecture and the scope and quality of its events did not disappoint.  The foundation aims to promote the work of talented new and established artists, and a programme of exclusive concerts, meetings and exhibitions is planned for the coming year.

 

A beautiful 'vessel'

The Louis Vuitton Foundation is next to the zoo and is well worth a visit in its own right, and was designed by American architect Frank Gehry in collaboration with LVMH.   In the words of the architect, the building is atypical and daring and 'must symbolise the cultural vocation of France'.  The structure is impressive in brilliant white, and is defined by unique concrete sails and a glass and steel tubular framework that evoke a ship in sail and which integrates the wooded landscape surrounding it perfectly.  The 'water mirror' and waterfall are among the many references that the designer makes to his desired vessel, and fluid lines, curves and angles further enhance the theme.

 

A meeting place first and foremost

The Louis Vuitton Foundation may be dedicated to contemporary art, but the museum was primarily designed as a meeting place more than an exhibition space. The richness and cultural diversity of its collections is outstanding, as is shown by proposed exhibitions until March 30th.  Some of the featured shows will include a presentation of the work of Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, talented Argentinian Adrian Villar Rojas and French artist Bertrand Lavier. 

The museum regularly sponsors artists and many of the works which can be seen were commissioned directly from the artists for the Louis Vuitton Foundation.  Seminars, debates and workshops are organised to run parallel to the exhibitions, ensuring that the museum fulfils its role of a lively meeting place.   There are also specific courses which are aimed at children.

Music is also firmly in the spotlight, and public masterclasses in March enhance the work of cellist Gautier Capuçon, and you can see this excellent young classical musician perform live on 27th and 28th March.

 

Fondation Louis Vuitton :

8 avenue Mahatma Gandhi Bois de Boulogne - 75116 Paris
tel. 01 40 69 96 00
Subway : Line 1 station « Les Sablons »
http://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/

~oOo~

 

Hotel Burgundy Paris, a 5 star hotel in Paris, at the heart of the 1st district