Do you want to experience a unique and timeless cultural journey? Consider visiting the collection and exhibitions of the Louis Vuitton Museum in Paris, a true work of art in itself. Nestled in a natural haven within the Bois de Boulogne, the Fondation Vuitton is a glass vessel designed for exploration. Embark without delay on an odyssey into the heart of contemporary art.
The Origins of the Louis Vuitton Museum in Paris
Inaugurated on October 27, 2014, the Louis Vuitton Foundation promotes contemporary art while making it accessible to the general public. It is the result of the vision of Bernard Arnault, chairman of the LVMH group, who is deeply committed to art, culture, and heritage.
Inaugurated on October 27, 2014, the Louis Vuitton Foundation promotes contemporary art while making it accessible to the general public. It is the result of the vision of Bernard Arnault, chairman of the LVMH group, who is firmly committed to art, culture, and heritage.
To bring this vision to life, Bernard Arnault enlisted architect Frank Gehry, globally renowned for his bold and innovative designs. While the idea of collaboration emerged from their meeting in Bilbao in 2001, construction spanned from March 2008 to December 2013. The landscaping around the Louis Vuitton Foundation in the spring of 2014 marked the final stage of this ambitious project.
An Architectural Gem with a Breathtaking View of Paris
A true technical masterpiece, the architecture of the Louis Vuitton Foundation reflects the innovation and avant-gardism so dear to the Louis Vuitton house. Through its integration into the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, the museum’s organic forms and the transparency of its glass subtly interact with the surrounding nature, delighting art and heritage enthusiasts alike.
A Groundbreaking Architectural Feat
The image of a ship with its sails unfurled—that is what this building evokes, composed of twelve glass sails, curved using cutting-edge technology. These sails envelop the core of the structure, a series of blocks forming an iceberg, covered with 19,000 panels of ductal, a fiber-reinforced concrete. The basin on which this architectural gem rests reflects the entire structure, creating an impression of lightness, transparency, and movement.
To design this unique masterpiece, Frank Gehry drew inspiration from the glass structures and greenhouses of the late 19th century. He boldly played with lines and shapes to create a truly innovative architectural design. The construction was a technological feat, made possible by the use of a one-of-a-kind 3D software.
A Breathtaking Visual Experience
The Louis Vuitton Foundation invites you to a moment of contemplation. It is among the most beautiful terraces in Paris. Treat yourself to a peaceful escape and enjoy a panoramic view of Paris, with unique perspectives that will surely enchant you. Take in the exceptional scenery, with the La Défense district standing proudly on the horizon.
The Artworks of the Louis Vuitton Foundation
The Louis Vuitton Foundation offers you an unforgettable cultural experience. This haven of contemporary art houses a collection and exhibitions of remarkable diversity.
A Contemporary Art Collection Organized Around Four Themes
Constantly evolving, the collection at the Louis Vuitton Museum in Paris reflects the trends and major movements of contemporary art. It features works by artists such as Christian Boltanski, Sophie Calle, Annette Messager, Omar Ba, and Yan Pei-Ming, to name just a few. Hundreds of other artistic gems await you.
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With its strong artistic choices, the Foundation’s collection includes artworks created from 1960 onward and does not aim for objectivity or exhaustiveness. Instead, it is structured around four major themes and embraces both contemplative, Pop-inspired, and expressionist influences. It also features works at the intersection of visual arts, music, and sound.
The Exhibitions to Discover at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris
Beyond its permanent collection, the Louis Vuitton Foundation offers thematic and monographic exhibitions throughout the year, bringing together internationally renowned artists and emerging talents. For example, the exhibition “Forms and Colors,” dedicated to the work of Ellsworth Kelly, left a lasting impression in 2024, as did “Matisse, The Red Studio.”
Other exhibitions highlight international contemporary art, such as “Crossing Views” in 2020. Additionally, the Louis Vuitton Museum dedicates exhibitions to works collected by some of the greatest art patrons, like “The Courtauld Collection: A Vision for Impressionism” in 2019.
Do you collect art or plan to start your own collection? We invite you to discover Parisian modern art galleries.
An Invitation to Experience Immersive Art
Beyond the artworks on display, this contemporary art venue offers a rich program. Conferences, screenings, performances, and workshops create unique and immersive cultural experiences. In addition to events, tours, and curated visits, the Foundation also offers experiences to enjoy as a family.
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Beyond France, other major events, known as “Hors les murs” (Beyond the Walls), are regularly held in Louis Vuitton spaces around the world.
Music lovers are not forgotten, as the Louis Vuitton Foundation places a special emphasis on musical events. The Auditorium provides a space where musicians and artists from various disciplines can engage in a shared creative process. There, classical, jazz, and contemporary concerts delight audiences.
Practical Information to Plan Your Visit
To visit this incredible venue, head to the heart of the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, specifically at 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi. The museum is open every day except Tuesday, its weekly closing day. Check the opening hours on the Louis Vuitton Foundation website before your visit, as they vary from day to day.
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Planning a visit to the museum with your family? That’s a great idea! The Louis Vuitton Foundation offers a variety of activities designed especially for young audiences. Workshops, storytelling tours, and interactive experiences promise an unforgettable family outing.
With its diverse collection, unique architecture, and breathtaking views of Paris, the Louis Vuitton Foundation is sure to captivate you. It is one of the city’s must-visit cultural landmarks, alongside the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée Maillol, and the Musée du Quai Branly, as well as other museums to visit in Paris’s 7th arrondissement.
