La Galerie has debuted as a new gathering space at Hôtel Fouquet’s Paris.
Serving as an extension of the lobby, the space, reimagined by locally based studio Friedmann & Versace, is conceived as a cross between a Parisian lounge and a spot to convene for hotel guests and locals.
A nod to the 1920s
The concept evokes the quiet luxury of an Art Deco-inspired Paris apartment, mingling the atmosphere of an elegant historic mansion’s orangery with a curated library, while also conjuring the carefree nights and legendary cabarets of the 1920s and ’30s.
From the moment guests pass through the large revolving door, they are greeted by intricate marble and onyx marquetry flooring. Sleek pilasters and column heads with bronze inserts frame the space, situated alongside matchbook-style natural stone panels that are bordered by bespoke wood marquetry and embellished trim. Braid-edged watered silk wallcoverings provide a visual softness that complements traditional touches, such as carpet bedecked with patterns by Madeleine Castaing.
Artisanal collaborations for Le Galerie
A roster of artisans contributed to the room’s subtle opulence. Ateliers Gohard, for example, provided intricate bas-reliefs and delicate patinas that celebrate the flourishing Art Deco movement.
Meanwhile, decorative art specialists Blundell & Therrien crafted a painting of traditional Paris horse chestnut trees, utilizing a time-honored technique involving layers of glue and crushed Blanc de Meudon chalk that is then waxed and patinated entirely by hand. They also created a striking four-panel gold leaf screen depicting birds in flight against a sky backdrop.
Bespoke lighting
Ambient lighting is achieved through the fusion of natural illumination with custom bronze and alabaster fixtures. A central textured glass showpiece, adorned with a plaster frieze and a geometric trompe l’œil, hangs from the middle of the dome. This gentle lighting highlights the room’s bespoke furniture, including softly curved mahogany armchairs and floral jacquard and golden brown mohair velvet sofas.
