Fondation Louis Vuitton

The Louis Vuitton Foundation is a renowned art museum and cultural center located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, adjacent to the Jardin d'Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne. Sponsored by the LVMH group, the foundation opened on October 20, 2014, and is a legally separate, nonprofit entity promoting art and culture. The Deconstructivist building, designed by American architect Frank Gehry, is a marvel in itself, resembling a sailboat's sails inflated by the wind. The museum's collection includes works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Gilbert & George, and Jeff Koons, among others. The two-story structure houses 11 galleries of different sizes, a 350-seat auditorium, and multilevel roof terraces for events and art installations. The foundation's history dates back to 2001 when Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, met architect Frank Gehry and shared plans for a new building. Despite initial opposition and legal battles, the project was deemed in the national interest and a major work of art for the world, leading to its completion. The museum also hosts site-specific installations and has been the venue for Louis Vuitton’s fashion show. Visiting the Louis Vuitton Foundation not only offers a chance to explore a vast collection of art but also to appreciate the architectural brilliance of the building itself.