The House Again Commits to Supporting the Parisian Museum, Pledging 20 Million Euros from 2026 to 2030
Louis Vuitton has confirmed once more its backing for Paris’ iconic Musée d’Orsay as the institution sets off on a substantial renovation endeavor. The company is planning to contribute funds of 20 million euros from 2026 to 2030 to back the Musée d’Orsay and its associated entity, the Musée de l’Orangerie Giscard d’Estaing, according to insiders who are aware of the situation.
The renewed partnership trails an initial commitment set in place between 2022 and 2025, which led to the museum hosting its initial fashion exhibitions. The brand’s fall 2022 collection was unveiled in the museum’s central aisle and Galerie Courbet, and its fall 2023 show took place in the grand ballrooms of the former Hôtel d’Orsay.
Originally, the building stood as a train station opened for the 1900 Paris Exposition. It was once intended for demolition before being saved by its designation as a historic site in 1973. In 1986, the structure reopened as an art museum and claimed its position as one of Europe’s largest.
Currently, the Beaux-Arts-style building houses a prominent collection of art from the 19th century, including the most comprehensive compilation of impressionist and post-impressionist pieces globally. The museum features iconic works such as Vincent Van Gogh’s well-known self-portrait, Édouard Manet’s “Luncheon on the Grass” and “Whistler’s Mother” by James McNeill Whistler.
Primarily, the new funds from Louis Vuitton will support the renovation works planned to take place between 2025 and 2028 while the premises continue to receive visitors. As stated by the museum, the renovations aim to “restore and showcase the Gare d’Orsay railway station’s notable historical areas, including the forecourt, the canopy, the arrivals hall and the Hôtel d’Orsay’s former grand entrance hall”.
“The project will enable us to restore the original spirit of these areas, open a spectacular perspective on the nave, reduce waiting times and provide new services”, the museum added.
Besides the renovation, Vuitton will also back the institution’s public activities and exhibitions and contribute to the enrichment of its collections. Additionally, a 43-million-euro donation by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Louis Vuitton’s parent company, has made it possible for the museum to acquire Gustave Caillebotte’s painting “The Boating Party”.
The ties between France’s luxury brands and Parisian landmarks have been solidifying lately, with Chanel funding the renovation of the Grand Palais, the home of its fashion shows since 2005, and Dior partnering with the Musée du Louvre in a long-term agreement to restore the Jardin des Tuileries, one of the largest and oldest public gardens in Paris.
Louis Vuitton also has an ongoing collaboration with the Louvre museum, which has been hosting fashion shows by Nicolas Ghesquière, the artistic director of women’s collections, since 2014.