Chanel demonstrates its commitment to the Grand Palais in becoming the exclusive and historic sponsor of its renovation project scheduled to begin in December 2020 and culminate in 2024, with a partial reopening in 2023.

As a House dedicated to creation that is open to the world, and turned towards the future, Chanel renews its commitment to an initiative taken by its founder Gabrielle Chanel, by supporting the cultural and artistic stature of Paris. They will reinforce its commitment to Paris, through a new, exclusive and historic sponsorship: the House will contribute 25 million Euros to the restoration and renovation of the Grand Palais, a symbol of architectural innovation in Paris since its creation.

Built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900, the Grand Palais is one of Europe’s most beautiful historic monuments as well as a site that has been closely linked with Chanel for many years. Since 2005, it has been the setting for the extraordinary decors created by the House’s Artistic Director Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Ready-to-Wear and Haute Couture shows.

Chanel will contribute 25 million Euros to the restoration and renovation of the Grand Palais, a symbol of architectural innovation in Paris since its creation.

The Nave has welcomed monumental sculptures of the Chanel jacket and lion that Gabrielle Chanel so loved, as well as a giant world globe, ice sculptures in the form of an iceberg, wind turbines, waterfalls, a wood house and- in a striking homage to Paris- a model of the Eiffel Tower. Karl Lagerfeld’s boundless creative daring has also seen this symbolic venue transformed into a classical Greek amphitheater in the heart of a veritable forest, a ravaged theater, a shopping center, a Parisian street scene for a women’s march, an airport terminal, a Parisian brasserie, a French garden and a Versailles-inspired bosquet, and even a launch pad for a rocket ship that lifted off underneath the domed glass roof! Each feat sprang from the inexhaustible imagination of the designer who, season after season, creates a surprise, that leaves a lasting impression and lights up the world.

“Chanel and the Grand Palais have developed a close bond, which was initiated by Karl Lagerfeld in 2005. For Chanel, the Grand Palais, and especially its exceptional nave where our fashion shows are held, is much more than a simple monument in the heart of Paris. Its remarkable architecture makes it a true source of inspiration and creation for Karl Lagerfeld. This Parisian institution has a universal vocation, and we are proud and delighted to accompany the Grand Palais and its President, Sylvie Hubac, in such an ambitious restoration and renovation project,” said Bruno Pavlovsky, Fashion President of Chanel.

Karl Lagerfeld, for Chanel, who, season after season, creates a surprise, that leaves a lasting impression and lights up the world.

Just as Chanel is now the exclusive sponsor for the creation of permanent exhibition spaces in the Palais Galliera, the Fashion Museum of the City of Paris, to open in 2019, and will build a new complex to honor the savoir-faire of its Paris-based Métiers d’art, to open at the Porte d’Aubervilliers in 2020, this new commitment highlights Chanel’s wish to contribute to the standing of Paris as a leading cultural and artistic capital.