Luxury house CHANEL has renewed its commitment to the Grand Palais, continuing as its exclusive patron for another five years. As part of this extended partnership, the fashion house will invest €30 million in the restoration and cultural programming of the iconic Parisian landmark through the GrandPalaisRmn endowment fund. This substantial contribution highlights CHANEL’s role in preserving and revitalizing one of the most important architectural sites in France.
The collaboration between CHANEL and the Grand Palais began in 2005 when the historic building became the venue for Karl Lagerfeld’s visionary fashion shows. Over the years, Lagerfeld transformed the Nave into an artistic playground, bringing CHANEL’s collections to life against the backdrop of grand, elaborate settings. From giant sculptures of the CHANEL jacket to full-scale reproductions of everyday environments, these shows redefined the intersection of fashion and architecture.
Since 2018, CHANEL has been a vital supporter of the Grand Palais’ ongoing restoration. The building, originally constructed for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, has undergone extensive refurbishment to preserve its architectural significance. The latest phase of CHANEL’s involvement will fund both the restoration work and the Grand Palais’ artistic and cultural programming from 2024 to 2028. This includes exhibitions, events, and live performances.
The restoration work is focused on returning the Grand Palais to its original splendor while adapting it to modern needs. Didier Fusillier, President of the GrandPalaisRmn, explained that the project involves thousands of specialized artisans working meticulously to restore the building’s reseda-green metal framework and cream-colored walls. Once completed, the Grand Palais will be equipped to host a wide variety of events, from fine art exhibitions to contemporary performances, all while maintaining its historical integrity.
A major highlight of the restoration is the renaming of the Nave, which will be dedicated to the founder of CHANEL, Gabrielle Chanel. This newly christened space will debut in October 2024 with CHANEL’s Spring-Summer 2025 Ready-to-Wear show, marking an important moment in both the fashion house’s and the Grand Palais’ history. In June 2025, the general public will be invited to explore the newly restored spaces, including areas specifically designed for exhibitions and cultural events.
One of the innovative features of the restoration is the creation of a monumental embroidered curtain by Studio MTX, part of the Montex embroidery atelier. This curtain will transform the Nave into a flexible, multi-use space, adaptable for various events. Reflecting CHANEL’s commitment to craftsmanship, the curtain will be hand-embroidered through participatory workshops held at la Galerie du 19M. These workshops will involve other Maisons d’art housed at le19M, CHANEL’s center dedicated to preserving artisanal skills in fashion and decoration.
CHANEL’s support of the Grand Palais aligns with its broader efforts to preserve and promote Parisian cultural landmarks. In addition to its patronage of the Palais Galliera and the Opéra national de Paris, CHANEL’s investment in the Grand Palais ensures the preservation of architectural heritage while fostering cultural innovation. The renewed partnership underscores CHANEL’s ongoing commitment to elevating Paris as a global center for art, fashion, and culture.
