Galeries Lafayette flagship undergoes major facade renovation

What: The iconic facade of the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann flagship store in Paris has undergone a significant renovation, restoring its original grandeur after more than two years of work.

Why it is important: This renovation is crucial for preserving the historical and architectural significance of the building, which is a landmark in Paris. It also ensures the continued appeal and functionality of the store, which attracts 30 million visitors annually.

The Galeries Lafayette Haussmann flagship store, located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, has completed a major renovation of its facade. The facade, designed by architect Ferdinand Chanut in 1911-1912, is a notable example of Art Nouveau architecture and features metal structures with stone facings and large bay windows. The renovation project involved several key aspects:
Stone restoration: The restoration of 69 tonnes of stone to maintain the facade's original integrity.
Decorative elements: The cleaning and renovation of Art Nouveau decorative elements.
Colour restoration: The restoration of the original colours, including the gilding of the ironwork.
Structural reinforcement: The reinforcement of the metal structures, which were in poor condition.
To minimise disruption, the renovation work was primarily conducted at night, allowing the store to continue its operations and welcome its 30 million annual visitors. The facade had previously received the City of Paris facade prize in 1913, highlighting its historical and architectural importance.