With the recent Paris Hôtel de la Marine reopening, our capital has another world-class museum to entice visitors.
It’s a renovation that has taken four years, bringing this historic landmark back to its former glory.
We take a look at the impressive results.
A major landmark on the Place de la Concorde
To say the Hôtel de la Marine is historic is something of an understatement.
This Neoclassical 550-room palace dates back to 1758, the time of King Louis XV. Its purpose was as a depository for the furniture collections of the French royal family.
As the first public museum in Paris, its galleries were open to view the royal treasures. Inside was also a chapel, library, workshops, stables, and private apartments.
It is from this palace that the crown jewels were famously stolen during the French Revolution. Later, the building became the headquarters of the French navy, and remained so for over two centuries.
So the Hôtel de la Marine has long been a major landmark. Set on the Place de la Concorde between the Champs-Élysées and the Tuileries gardens, it has a prime location in the capital.
To the west is an identical building, which houses both the Hôtel de Crillon and a private club.
A lavish mini-Versailles
Despite the hotel in its title, and unlike its twin building, the Paris Hôtel de la Marine does not welcome guests to stay the night.
Instead, it is back to being a magnificent museum. Many people have referred to it as a ‘mini-Versailles’ for its lavish and opulent décor.
Representative of the French art de vivre, each high-ceilinged room is full of antique furniture, gold, chandeliers, grand fireplaces, sculptures, frescoes, and paintings.
The renovation work has been extensive and required stripping back 18 coats of paint in some of the rooms.
But after the inevitable delays caused by Covid-19, the Paris Hôtel de la Marine finally reopened on June 12 this year.
It’s the first time the palace has opened as a museum since the 18th century, and the first time anyone has been inside since the doors closed in 2015.
Adding a contemporary edge
As you would expect for a new attraction, the Hôtel de la Marine renovation work has brought in elements from the 21st century.
At the entrance, a striking new glass ceiling designed by architects Hugh Dutton & Associés welcomes you into the palace. This contemporary work of art covers the entire courtyard.
It’s a modern piece of art, flooding the building with light. A contemporary take on the chandeliers that reflect light into the older parts of the building.
After walking in, visitors are then fully immersed in the architecture, art, and antiques of French life in the 18th century.
A hi-tech headset known as ‘The Confidant’ is a virtual guide as you walk from room to room, each one more opulent and extravagant.
Another draw for modern visitors is the new lineup of restaurants inside the palace.
This includes a gourmet venue overseen by Michelin-starred chef Jean-François Piège.
Opening September 1, it launches a never-before-seen food concept in Paris – an oeuf mimosa (deviled egg) bar!
Le Café Lapérouse, another dining option, includes a terrace lined with columns in the courtyard.
The Al Thani Collection
Opening to the public soon, the palace is also hosting a new exhibition from the famed Al Thani Collection, a curation of artworks spanning the ancient world to the present day.
This exhibition will showcase 6000 historic artifacts. Representing a diverse range of cultures and civilizations, this collection celebrates the power of art through the ages.
The Al Thani exhibition debuts this fall, and is set to bring even more visitors to the Hôtel de la Marine.
Funding the Paris Hôtel de la Marine reopening
As you would expect, the Paris Hôtel de la Marine reopening has not been cheap.
Reports state the whole project cost €132 million, or $155 million.
This includes an €80 million private bank loan, with a modest subsidy of €10 million also given by the French government.
In addition, the Al Thani Foundation contributed €20 million, in return for an agreement to host further exhibitions here for the next 20 years.
Along with the museum and restaurants, income is coming from the office real estate. In total, some 12,000m² is set aside for business rentals, which was a huge part of the renovation.
Morning, a company that operates Parisian co-working spaces is moving in. But the most high-profile client so far is the international soccer governing body FIFA. They are opening a new development office within the palace.
Who will fill up the rest of these prime business locations is still undecided.
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