A Look at the New Louis Vuitton Foundation

11 December 2014

Paris' Newest Tourist Attraction

Take a walk through the leafy Bois de Boulogne, a tranquil oasis of lush gardens and green spaces, and you'll eventually come across a building that is unlike anything you will ever have seen before. Looking something like a great glass sailboat, complete with huge sails, this is the brand new Louis Vuitton Foundation. It's the newest art gallery in Paris, and it's certainly a sight to behold.

In a city known for its classical architecture, any modern building is bound to provoke reaction, but the Centre Pompidou is a prime example of an ultra-modern design that has been accepted by even the city's most ardent classicist. Following in its footsteps, the Louis Vuitton Foundation aims to capture the capital's collective imagination and be the next big tourist attraction in a city already full of amazing tourist attractions. 

Frank Gehry's Latest Masterpiece

The Foundation was designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. Gehry is well known for his design for the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum, which has been credited as putting the city on the global cultural map. He has claimed the famous Grand Palais as the initial inspiration for the new building. The 40,000 square-foot glass masterpiece twists and turns in an almost flowing motion, giving it a surprisingly organic look, despite its obvious contrast to the leafy tranquillity of the surrounding Bois de Boulogne. 

At the Forefront of Art and Culture

The foundation is dedicated to showcasing world-class art and culture, with an array of exhibitions and events taking place within its walls. To celebrate the gallery's opening, iconic pianist Lang Lang played to a mesmerised audience, while Kraftwerk, the seminal electronic band, played a series of concerts in November charting their entire discography in November. In contrast to these two world-renowned acts, the Foundation is also providing a platform for six up-and-coming cellists to perform at a world-class venue.

Away from music, there are multiple art exhibits to take in. To celebrate Gehry's involvement, there's an innovative exhibit that tracks the making of the building, from initial sketches to 3D models, culminating in a 1:50 scale model that was signed off as the final design. Other prominent artists who have seen their work displayed include Ellsworth Kelly, Olafur Eliason and Cerwyth Wyn Evans.

One of two major parks in central Paris, the Bois de Boulogne, situated in the 16th arrondissement, certainly has plenty to see and do. From the Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil, with its fascinating collection of plants and flowers, to Roland Garros, the home of the French Open, the park makes for a perfect day out. The Foundation can consider itself added to this world-class list, both as an architectural work of genius, but also as a hot spot of modern culture.