Grand News for Palais Galliera
You are probably wondering now: How does Paris, the fashion capital of the world, not have a fashion museum? Yes, that is a very good question indeed. Let's take a closer look at the history of the Palais Galliera and how it came to be the home to the most beautiful dresses in Paris.
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Located in the prestigious 16th Arrondissement of Paris, the Palais Galliera opened its doors in 1895. The building was commissioned by the Duchess of Galliera, who had planned to open a museum for her art collection. The Duchess, neé Marie Brignole-Sale, was a true philanthropist and supporter of the arts.
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She was married to Italian businessman Marquis Raphael de Ferrari, who built railways throughout Italy and participated in the construction of the Suez Canal. The Gallieras were often described as one of the wealthiest couples in France. After her husband's death, the Duchess devoted her life and earnings to charitable work. She founded the Ferrari Hospice, an orphanage and supported the establishment of the well-known university Sciences-Po.
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The Palais Galliera would never house her collections due to several disagreements between the Duchess and the city of Paris. Instead the newly built palace became a museum for industrial design until 1954. Afterwards, the museum started exhibiting "Peintres Témoins de Leurs Temps," which included works from artists such as Matisse, Picasso, Chagall or Kisling. In 1977, the city of Paris decided that the Musée de la Mode et du Costume should move into the Palais. This marks the beginning of a beautiful friendship between the Palais Galliera and the fashion world.
The Palais Galliera, as well as the Musée des Arts Decoratifs and Les Docks - Cité de la Mode et du Design, has hosted many outstanding fashion exhibitions over the past decades. Yet up until now, there has not been a permanent space for fashion exhibitions in the French capital. This is about to change. The French fashion house Chanel just announced to sponsor a permanent exhibition at the Palais Galliera.
The Gabrielle Chanel Rooms will display fashion collections from the 18th century to the present day in the basement of the historic building. The new galleries, which are set to open in 2019, will display over 200,000 garments, accessories and photographs. With the support of Chanel the Palais Galliera is finally able give fashion lovers from all over the world the exceptional chance to explore fashion history all year long.
Image Credit: Azzedine Alaïa at Palais Galleria | girlguidetoparis.com Image Credit: Azzedine Alaïa at Palais Galleria | girlguidetoparis.com
In 2010 Olivier Saillard became the museum's new curator. The Palais was closed for renovations from 2010 until 2013. Saillard curated the re-opening exhibition on Azzedine Alaïa and has been successfully showcasing fashion's most talented designers ever since. The museum is currently exhibiting Balenciaga, L'œuvre au noir extra muros at the Musée Bourdelle in the 15th Arrondissement.
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