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Fondation Louis Vuitton Guide
Located in the Bois de Boulogne, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is a modern and contemporary art museum. Funded by luxury goods conglomerate LVMH, it opened its doors in 2014. The Fondation’s main objectives are to create a unique experience for its visitors and to promote contemporary art with a historical perspective.
Highlights
The architecture
Designed by famous American architect Frank Gehry, the building is a contemporary piece of art in itself. Some say it looks like a sailboat made of glass and steel, but the building’s design and materials were in fact inspired by French architecture of the 19th century. Explore the 11 galleries and admire the view from the various terraces.
The Fondation's Grotto
Located on the lower level, the ‘Grotto’ displays the work of Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson: mirrors reflecting a yellow light and creating a kaleidoscopic effect. This installation, called Inside the Horizon, was conceived specifically to fit in the Fondation Louis Vuitton’s building (and it’s a great spot for an Instagram picture).
The exhibitions
Each year, two temporary exhibitions are organised by the Fondation, one of contemporary art and one of modern art. While they sometimes focus on the work of one artist, the exhibitions can also pay homage to famous art collectors, show the evolution of an art form or explore the work of artists from a different region of the world.
For the kids
Before your visit of the Fondation Louis Vuitton, check its website to see which family tours or workshops are coming up. The educational tours are made for three- to five-year olds and are punctuated by game stops to keep your little ones entertained. Held during the French school holidays, the workshops give parents and children the opportunity to create a work of art together.
Take a break
Le Frank
8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116The restaurant is located inside the Fondation, where you can enjoy the contemporary cuisine of Michelin-starred chef Jean-Louis Nomicos. The menu changes throughout the day, from breakfast to lunch, afternoon treat, Champagne moment and dinner.
La Terrasse Du Jardin
Jardin d'Acclimatation, 6 avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116The perfect spot for a lunch al fresco on a sunny day. Open from 10am until 6pm (private bookings only in the evening), this restaurant looks like a country house. Take a seat in the garden and enjoy great quality French cuisine.
Le Chalet Des Iles
14 chemin de Ceinture du Lac Inférieur, 75116The chalet is situated on an island in a lake and can only be reached by boat. After a walk in the Bois de Boulogne or a session of rowing, it’s ideal for a break, a meal or just for a drink, in a very picturesque environment.
Nearby attractions
Jardin D'Acclimation
Le Bois de Boulogne, avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116Little ones love this children’s amusement park, which opened in 1860 and got a makeover in 2018. Spread across 19 hectares, the Jardin d’Acclimatation is a combination of a zoo and a funfair, with 41 attractions and 400 animals.
Parc De Bagatelle
Route de Sèvres À Neuilly, 75016Surrounding a small castle and created in 1775, this park is one of Paris' four botanical gardens. Have a walk in the Rose garden (10,000 rose bushes from 1,200 different species) and meet one of the peacocks walking freely in the park.
Row across the Lac Inferieur
Lac Inférieur, Bois de Boulogne, 75016Whether you’re looking for family fun or a romantic activity, head toward the Lac Inferieur to rent a rowing boat, if the weather allows it. Open from February to late October, from midday until 5pm Monday to Friday, 10am-6pm on weekends.
Useful information
Opening hours
Open 11am-8pm on weekdays, 10am-8pm on weekends, open until late on Fridays (until 9pm or until 11pm for Late Hours events). Closed on Tuesdays (except for some exhibitions).
Getting there
The closest metro stop is Les Sablons (line 1), about a ten- to 15-minute walk away. The Fondation has a shuttle departing every 20 minutes from Place Charles de Gaulle (Arc de Triomphe), on the corner of Avenue de Friedland, near the metro exit.
Costs
Full price tickets cost €16. Entrance includes access to the Jardin d’Acclimatation.
Skip the line
Avoid going there just when a new exhibition has started. Sunday is the busiest day, you might prefer to go on a weekday or, if it has to be on the weekend, try arriving late in the afternoon.
Image credits: © Fondation Louis Vuitton; © Fondation Louis Vuitton; © Fondation Louis Vuitton; © Fondation Louis Vuitton; © Fondation Louis Vuitton; © Fondation Louis Vuitton; © Martin Argyroglo; © La Terrasse du Jardin; © Chalet des Îles; © Jardin d’Acclimatation; © Alamy; © Alamy