Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Potocki hotel, located 27 avenue de Friedland in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, was built between 1878 and 1884 for the Polish Count Mikołaj Szczęsny Potocki by architect Jules Reboul. It embodies a style inspired by classical French architecture and now houses the regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry Paris - Île-de-France. Its history reflects Polish aristocratic influence in France in the 19th century.

The hotel was originally built in 1857 by architect Jean-Louis Renaud for an unknown owner, before being acquired in 1867 by Count Grzegorz Potocki. He died in 1871 of an injury caused by a German shell during the siege of Paris. The hotel then passed to his father, then to his legitimate son, Mikołaj Szczęsny Potocki, who began his complete transformation with architect Jules Reboul between 1879 and 1882.

The Potocki expanded the property by buying adjacent buildings, and the hotel became famous for its luxurious stables and discounts. After the death of Mikołaj in 1921, the hotel was sold in 1923 to the Chamber of Commerce of Paris, which installed its offices there after major changes by architects Paul Viard and Marcel Dastugue. The interior decorations were given to Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann, marking a transition to an art deco style.

Among the outstanding elements are a bronze door of Christofle, a monumental staircase, 17th century Flemish tapestries, and an art deco reception room. Some elements have been classified as historical monuments since 1991. The hotel thus illustrates the evolution of architectural tastes and the role of European elites in Paris.

Future

It now houses the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris, as well as the Chambre régionale de commerce et d'industrie Paris - Île-de-France.

External links