Why Visit?
Immerse yourself in the refined atmosphere of historic department stores with this unique exhibition, designed as a truly immersive experience. Through captivating scenography, relive the sensory and visual magic of these temples of consumption. The exhibition offers a global panorama of monumental department store architecture, showcasing rare collections.
“The Saga of Department Stores” is also an interactive and entertaining experience, perfect for families with children. You will discover busts specially created for this exhibition, along with a selection of classic mannequins by Pierre Imans. Many of these pieces come from the archives of iconic department stores such as Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche, and Printemps, as well as private collections from prestigious fashion houses like Dior, LVMH, Sonia Rykiel, and Pierre Cardin.
To mark the occasion, a special catalog has been published, featuring a dedicated chapter on Pierre Imans, titled “Meeting a Supplier”, written by Jean-Marc Hofman.
This exhibition offers a fascinating perspective on the historical evolution of department stores and their role in society, particularly in France.
A Journey Through Time:
1850-1930:
The golden age of department stores, paralleling the development of transportation and industry. These establishments revolutionized shopping habits and introduced a new social organization, often compared to a bustling hive led by a charismatic founder.
1930-1980:
With the rise of supermarkets and hypermarkets, department stores reinvent themselves as “selling machines,” focusing on innovative marketing strategies and space optimization while playing a key role in the emergence of ready-to-wear fashion.
Since the 1980s:
In response to economic crises and competition from online retail, some department stores have refocused on their architectural and heritage identity, while others have transformed to offer increasingly bold customer experiences.
Even today, despite the rise of e-commerce, department stores continue to reinvent themselves. Their saga lives on—just like that of Pierre Imans, who remains committed to evolving in an ever-changing world.
For tickets, opening hours, and more information:
www.citedelarchitecture.fr
