A jewel of 1930s architecture, the Palais de la Porte Dorée is today announcing major support from Christian Louboutin for the enhancement of its Art Deco heritage.
This sponsorship is part of a vast conservation and restoration project designed to make the exceptional riches of the Palais de la Porte Dorée, a listed historic monument and home to the Musée national de l’histoire de l’immigration and the Aquarium tropical, even more accessible to the general public.
This sponsorship covers the enhancement of the bas-reliefs on the façade of the Palais, a sculptural masterpiece by Alfred-Auguste Janniot, the renovation of the hall of honor and the furniture in the two historic salons – Africa and Asia – and the reconstruction of the library of Laprade, the building’s architect.
A place of inspiration
The Palais de la Porte Dorée and its Tropical Aquarium are among Christian Louboutin’s major sources of inspiration, and one of his first shoes, made partly in metallic leather, was directly inspired by the iridescence of the fish he had the opportunity to admire there.
– Christian Louboutin: ” As a child of the 12th arrondissement, I’ve always had an intimate and privileged relationship with the Palais de la Porte Dorée. This unique place has inspired my creative universe with its décor, furniture, bas-reliefs, mosaics and incredible aquariums. Today, the Palais reflects the values to which I am attached: diversity, transmission and openness to the world… I am delighted that the Palais de la Porte Dorée has embarked on this ambitious restoration project to make its history and architecture better known to the public. ”
Restoration work
As part of the work, the façade – this majestic “tapestry of stone”, a monumental masterpiece measuring 1,130 square meters, whose sculpted bas-reliefs represent the riches of Asia and Africa – was fitted with a lighting system that enhances and reinforces the Palais.
The entrance hall has been redesigned to restore its original transversal layout and showcase the listed salons, whose furniture, architecture and painted decor are unique and exceptional examples of Art Deco.
The exceptional furniture in the two salons, designed by Art Deco figures Eugène Printz and Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann for the 1931 Exposition Coloniale Internationale, is currently being restored at the Mobilier National and will be back on view in 2019. Last but not least, the Laprade library, whose furniture was designed by Albert Laprade and whose decor was made of lacquer panels by Jean Dunand, will be restored to its original position, offering the public a room in which to relax and consult books.
– Hélène Orain: ” Louboutin’s patronage is essential. It marks the launch of the restoration of the Palais. With this exceptional support, we have been able to make a concrete start on the project, tackling what visitors see first: the façade, the main hall and the salons. We are honoured by Christian Louboutin’s interest in our establishment. Many personalities, artists and entrepreneurs are (re)discovering the Palais de la Porte Dorée and its programming. This sponsorship will encourage others! ”
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