1912-2012: Chroniques d’un parcours créatif — 100 ans de la Coupole — La Galerie des Galeries — Exhibition — Slash Paris

Past: October 16, 2012 → January 26, 2013

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the construction of its Dome, Galeries Lafayette have decided to celebrate this monument of the Boulevard Haussmann, a symbol of Art Nouveau architecture, by staging unusual events in tune with the life of the department store from 16 October 2012.

To celebrate this hundred-year old construction, Galeries Lafayette have invited two of the leading artists of contemporary creation, the architect Rem Koolhaas — with OMA, his design studio — and the visual artist Yann Kersalé.

Designed by OMA and its research unit AMO, 1912-2012. Chronicles of a Creative Itinerary is an exhibition that relates the experience led by Galeries Lafayette in the last hundred years: to combine culture and shopping under the famous glass Dome erected in 1912 by the architect Ferdinand Chanut and the glass artist Jacques Gruber.

By delving deeply into the archives of Galeries Lafayette, AMO has successfully pieced together the story of the changes experienced by this famous store. Through the history of fashion and commerce, this chronology also tells us about the history of France.

To prolong this anniversary a book published by La Martinière, is relating the history of the department store and is describing how this legendary place in the heart of Paris became a theatre for fashion frequented by French and foreigner admirers. Over the years, this epicentre of fashion and art has remained a source of inspiration for artists.