Currently on view at the Palais de Tokyo is the exhibition “Culture Chanel”, curated by Jean-Louis Froment. Almost everything has already been said about Gabrielle Chanel, but this visit manages to tell us even more about Mademoiselle.
The exhibition is spread over two levels. The first part of the tour is a vast room featuring objects and images from Chanel’s life. There are many previously unpublished photos, as well as works by famous artists such as Picasso, Cocteau and Modigliani. A free audioguide (which also includes video) is handed out at the entrance, along with a handsome booklet, and the atmosphere is hushed, white and black, in keeping with Chanel.
Then it’s on to the top floor of the Palais de Tokyo. The main room focuses on the emblematic Chanel fragrance, N°5. There are seven shelves, filled with books on the life of Mademoiselle, but above all, corresponding to the ingredients of the famous perfume: citrus, sandalwood, jasmine, ylang ylang, rose de Mai, aldehydes and vanilla. One of our visitors also shows us herbariums of plants collected in the places Coco Chanel was particularly fond of, from Biarritz to Venice, and of course Paris, with the Rue Cambon and her room at the Ritz.
A “cinema” room allows visitors to (re)discover the N°5 ads. Carole Bouquet, Nicole Kidman, Estella Warren and Catherine Deneuve are all ambassadors for the fragrance, under the watchful eye of directors such as Luc Besson and Jean-Paul Goude.
Visitors can also take part in free olfactory workshops around N°5. There is one for adults and another for children aged 8 to 13.
“Chanel Culture” until June 5, 2013 at Palais de Tokyo, every day except Tuesday from noon to midnight. Free admission.
13 avenue du Président Wilson, Paris 16th arrondissement
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