Samaritaine reopens after an exceptional renovation, bringing unique enchantment back to Paris
Samaritaine reopens after an exceptional renovation, bringing unique enchantment back to Paris
Following a renovation project that was both extraordinary in scope and scrupulously faithful to the history of the iconic property, the new Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf department store once again welcomes the public as of June 23, 2021. The inaugural ceremony yesterday was held in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Bernard Arnault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LVMH.
The titanic restoration and renovation worksite spanning 70,000 square meters in the heart of the French capital mobilized numerous skilled artisans – painters, sculptors, gilders, ironworkers and more. At its peak, 800 craftspeople were working together at the site. Today this mythic department store promises to be the new destination of Parisian elegance. It will draw Parisians and visitors from all over France excited to return to a much-loved place, as well as international travelers eager to enjoy a taste of a distinctive French lifestyle.
The Samaritaine is also an exceptional mixed-use urban project, bringing fresh energy to Paris’ Right Bank. LVMH’s positive impact on the local economy is further demonstrated by close to 3,000 jobs. Each day 1,700 workers will bring to life the DFS department store, ensuring a memorable experience for each guest. The buildings – which meet the most demanding environmental standards – also house a nursery with space for 80 children and 96 public housing units (operated by Paris Habitat). Located between the Louvre and Les Halles, the Samaritaine complex plays a pivotal role in the renaissance of the neighborhood, including a pedestrian square with direct access to the famous Pont Neuf bridge.
Instantly identifiable by the new undulating glass façade on the rue de Rivoli – designed by the Japanese firm Sanaa, winner of the prestigious Pritzker Prize for architecture in 2010 – the Samaritaine has regained its stunning fully glass roof with an Eiffel style iron frame. The breathtaking 37-meter by 20-meter structure was designed in 1907 by architect Frantz Jourdain. Equally sumptuous are the Art Nouveau enameled lava stone ceramics, the monumental staircase and a sublime 115-meter-long peacock mural designed by Francis Jourdain.
“No other department store has such compelling links to the two faces of Paris, one engaged with the historic economic vitality of the recently renovated Les Halles and the other overlooking the Seine, offering the most beautiful view of the world’s most beautiful city. The completion of this project, which both creates jobs and promotes a unique Parisian art de vivre around the world, is also a great source of pride for our Group in France and in Paris. Many of our Maisons were founded in Paris, where we intend to make an active contribution to economic recovery, as well as the worldwide appeal of France,” commented Bernard Arnault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LVMH.
“The renaissance of the Samaritaine is a collective success that has mobilized some 3,000 people. We also feel great pride in restoring access to a historical monument that has always been at the forefront of its times and holds a special place in the hearts of Parisians,” stated Jean-Jacques Guiony, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Samaritaine.
Designed and operated by the world’s leading luxury travel retailer DFS Group (in which LVMH holds a majority stake), the “Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf” department store has a bold vision: blend memorable experiences and amazement, authenticity and modernity. Some 600 brands, from iconic names in luxury to exclusive designers, punctuate this singular universe fusing elegance and French art de vivre.
