Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The building located at 68 avenue des Champs-Élysées, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, was built between 1912 and 1914 by architect Charles-Frédéric Méwès for perfumers Jacques and Pierre Guerlain. This seven-storey building, inaugurated on August 2, 1914, is distinguished by its ground floor dedicated to a luxury boutique, decorated with marble, mirrors and crystal chandeliers. The facade combines cut stone and iron, especially for the central bowlow rising on three floors.

The beauty institute, located on the first floor, was redecorated in 1939 by the assemblers Jean-Michel Franck and Adolphe Chanaux. The trompe l'oeil decor, designed by Christian Bérard, and the light stone appliques, carved by Diego Giacometti, add to its prestige. These elements, as well as the façade and roof, were protected by a registration order in 1991.

The building illustrates the alliance between luxury trade and innovative architecture at the beginning of the twentieth century. It also reflects the importance of Avenue des Champs-Élysées as a showcase of Parisian know-how, combining art, crafts and modernity. Today, there remains a testimony of the golden age of French perfumers and their collaboration with renowned artists and architects.

External links