The iconic Paris mansion where The Intouchables was filmed was once again the coveted Design Miami Paris location, now in its second consecutive year. And the exquisite Hôtel de Maisons is located right near 56Paris' agency in the historic 7th district.
Design Miami Paris: A premier international design fair
In many ways, it seems like destiny. Last year, Design Miami, the contemporary design fair held adjacent to important Art Basel in Miami and Basel—and starting next year, Los Angeles—touched down in Paris. And for its inaugural French edition, it chose the most fitting of venues.
Tucked into the historic 7th arrondissement (district) in the heart of the charming Saint-Thomas-d’Aquin neighborhood, near the Musée d’Orsay and the 56Paris office, the elegant edifice at 51 rue de l’Université is a jewel.
Throughout the five-day fair(Oct. 16–20), the finest modern and contemporary design was showcased in the stunning 18th-century building. The Design Miami Paris location includes a monumental porte cochère (carriage gate), cobbled courtyard, gilded ceilings, elegant woodwork, grand staircase and crystal chandeliers. It welcomed a tight roster of gallerists from New York, Milan, London and elsewhere as well as a lion’s share from Paris. Many, in fact, come from the chic, surrounding Saint Germain area.
Best Design at Large Presentation Award went to Galerie Downtown-Laffanour for a Jean Prouvé house. One of the renowned architect’s legendary post-war prefabricated houses, it’s designed to be assembled and dismantled easily. Here, it was situated in the vast garden.
The well-heeled crowd sipped champagne during a VIP Preview day in that same garden. Collectors eyed works from giants such as François-Xavier Lalanne and Jean Touré. And anyone who stopped by during the jam-packed Paris Art Week could share the same sensation. The show is also the dynamic interplay of objects and architectural backdrop.
A mansion with many names
Throughout its history, the hôtel particulier (private mansion) has been known by many names. They reflect its varied past.
Built in 1706 by architect Pierre Cailleteau (known by his architect name Lassurance), the building was bought in 1707 by Claude de Longueil, Marquis de Maisons. This gave the property its first (and current) name.
In 1732, the Soyencourt family purchased the property and gave its interior a stunning redesign by Pierre Mouret. Thus the current Design Miami Paris location is also referred to at times as the Hôtel de Soyencourt.
But its longest-standing occupants by far were the Pozzo di Borgo family of Corsican noble lineage, like Napoleon Bonaparte. Starting with Count Charles Jérôme Pozzo di Borgo in 1836, the family remained in possession until 2010. Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, in fact, was the real-life inspiration for the blockbuster film The Untouchables (2011).
The Karl Lagerfeld and Bongo years
Although they didn’t give their name to the facade, two recent occupants bring with them the most fame - and notoriety.
The inimitable Karl Lagerfeld took up residence on the second floor for several decades, renting series of rooms that overlooked the courtyard. This giant in the fashion world amply filled them. His parties brought the Left Bank luminaries to the garden and formal suites. Jane Birkin and the luxe celebrity crowd flitted in his orbit. Lagerfeld is rumored to have once transformed the garden into a desert oasis with living camels.
Controversy came with the purchase in 2010 - for nearly 100 million euros - by the Bongo presidential dynasty of the Republic of Gabon. Their wealth was reportedly tied to corrupt dealings with oil companies, and the family was ousted from power in 2023.
A new era for the Hôtel de Maisons
Enter a fresh take with the Design Miami Paris location selection.
Noteworthy for the fact that it offers entry to one of the city’s most splendid hôtel particuliers, this event in autumn is a reminder of the surrounding architectural treasures.
It’s also a reminder that the beautiful, hidden gardens on these properties (the famous coeurs d'îlots) make the coveted neighborhood less dense in population and offer more (secret) green spaces.
Get in touch with 56Paris
56Paris often has gems for sale within walking distance of this stunning icon. One is a move-in ready 3rd-floor apartment near the Musée d’Orsay. With decorative fireplace, hardwood floors and original moldings as well as triple exposure, it’s a coup de coeur (love at first sight) in the 7th arrondissement.
Stay tuned for a new listing for a cozy apartment nearby that will shortly be coming up for sale. If you would like to get in touch with the property experts at 56Paris, you can contact the team here.
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Photos courtesy of: Top © Ivan Erofeev - Middle © BFA, © BFA, © Ivan Erofeev - Bottom © Ivan Erofeev, Eve Hill-Agnus, © Ivan Erofeev