La Saga des Grands Magasins, the exhibition at the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine unveiled

The saga of Parisian department stores, true emblems of urban and commercial evolution, is brought to light in a captivating exhibition at the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine. From November 6, 2024 to April 6, 2025, this exhibition follows the first part held at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, and covers the evolution of these institutions since their birth under the Second Empire.

The golden age of department stores stretched from 1850 to 1930, in phase with the development of transport and industrialization. During this period, they transformed consumer habits and established a novel social organization, often compared to a beehive, with numerous employees coordinated under the direction of a charismatic founder.

The exhibition offers a worldwide panorama of the monumental architecture of these commercial spaces, revealing never-before-seen collections.

The birth of department stores, a double exhibition at the heart of these mythical Parisian landmarks
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Cité de l'Architecture take us to the heart of the legendary addresses of Parisian art de vivre with "The Birth of Department Stores", a two-part exhibition. Visit the MAD from April 10 to October 13, 2024, then from October 16, 2024 to March 16, 2025, to discover the history of these temples to fashion right up to the present day. [Read more]

The exhibition begins by tracing the history of these temples to consumerism from their very beginnings. The Cité de l'Architecture presents a detailed panorama of the architecture and cultural impact of these stores. Notable examples such as the Samaritaine and Galeries Lafayette illustrate their dazzling yet functional design, and bear witness to the innovation of the time.

The exhibition then delves into the international history of these department stores. We discover how they became an integral part of everyday life and the imagination of European societies, from the mid-19th century to the present day. This section highlights the evolution of department stores in a broader context, both territorial and international.

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Key dates in this commercial saga are highlighted. The golden age stretches from 1850 to 1930, when these stores revolutionized commerce with their monumental architecture and merchandising. They became models of social organization, with a unique employment structure and avant-garde commercial vision.

However, from 1930 to 1980, department stores faced major challenges with the emergence of supermarkets and hypermarkets. They adapted by becoming "sales machines", integrating marketing and rationalizing their spaces to remain competitive.

Recently, the post-1980s period has seen a turning point, with economic crises and the rise of online retailing. Department stores have had to reinvent themselves, reconnecting with their architectural identity and offering unique experiences to remain relevant in a changing consumer landscape.

In short, this exhibition offers a journey through time, highlighting the importance and impact of department stores in urban and cultural development, not only in Paris, but throughout Europe. It's an invitation to discover how these establishments have shaped, and continue to shape, our societies. An enriching and instructive experience, not to be missed by lovers of history, architecture and urban culture.