The Galerie Vivienne Passage, located in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, is one of the French capital's most emblematic covered galleries. With a length of 176 m and a width of 3 m, the gallery has been listed as a historic monument since July 7, 1974. Galerie Vivienne Passage: an enchanted interlude in the heart of Paris
An architectural gem
Dating back to the 19th century, this enchanting architectural showcase offers visitors a charming and refined escape, blending history, elegant boutiques and a timeless atmosphere.
Built in 1823 by architect François Jean Delannoy, the Galerie Vivienne is decorated in a neo-classical Pompeian style. Wrought-iron arches, Corinthian columns and a mosaic floor by Giandomenico Facchina and Mazzioli, a French mosaicist of Italian origin, make the Galerie Vivienne immediately appealing for its elegance and sophistication. The whole creates an atmosphere worthy of another era. The wave-shaped glass roof lets in natural light, creating a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
The 42 m long gallery is followed by a glass rotunda with a hemispherical glass dome, all of which is original to the building.
Origin of the name
It was built in 1823 by the president of the Chambre des notaires, Marcoux born Louis-Auguste Marchoux (1768-1854). Hence its name, Galerie Marchoux, renamed "Vivienne" in 1825 because of its proximity to Rue Vivienne, itself named after Louis Vivien, seigneur de Saint-Marc, alderman of Paris (1599).
The history of the Galerie Vivienne Passage,
The Galerie Vivienne was built on the site of the Hôtel Vanel de Serrant at no. 6 rue Vivienne, a house purchased at no. 4 rue des Petits-Champs and another in the Passage des Petits-Pères.
The gallery took advantage of its exceptional location, linking the boulevards with a highly industrial district.
In 1859, Anne Sophie "Ermance" Marchoux bequeathed the gallery to the Institut de France, so that its income could be used to subsidize artists awarded the Prix de Rome. Ermance Marchoux (1809-1870) was an artist and sculptor, and the author of the two statues that frame the entrance to the gallery. In 1836, she married Camille Decaen, son of General Decaen (General of the Revolution and Empire).
Success, then decline, then revival in the 80s
This passageway enjoyed considerable success until the end of the Second Empire. But the gallery lost some of its appeal with the relocation of prestigious businesses to the Madeleine and Champs-Élysées, and in particular because of the Haussmann revolution.
In 1926, a decree downgraded the gallery, threatening its demolition. It remains, however.
There was also historic competition from the nearby Galerie Colbert. In crisis in the 1960s, the stores closed one after the other, before being bought by an artist, Huguette Spengler, who transformed them into dreamlike art installations. Since 1980, the gallery has become very active once again. It presents fashion and decoration boutiques, and holds haute couture shows. The installation of Jean-Paul Gaultier, now gone, and Yuki Torii, in 1986, led to the gallery's resurrection.
Today, the Galerie Vivienne is home to cafés and numerous ready-to-wear and decorative object boutiques, as well as an exquisite selection of stores ranging from antique bookshops to fashion and antique boutiques. Each boutique feels like a museum piece, adding to the visitor's immersive experience.
Elegance at every step
The walls of the Galerie Vivienne are brimming with detail and charm. Floor mosaics, graceful statues and wrought-iron signs all contribute to creating an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere. Visitors can wander at leisure, discovering hidden treasures at every corner, and stop off at one of the quaint cafés to enjoy a well-deserved break.
A living cultural heritage
The Galerie Vivienne is not just a place to pass through, but a true cultural center. It regularly hosts exhibitions, art events and performances, adding a contemporary dimension to its rich heritage. It's a space where history meets creativity, offering visitors an immersive and dynamic experience.
Conclusion
The Galerie Vivienne in Paris embodies timeless elegance and French refinement. With its majestic arcades, exceptional boutiques and unique atmosphere, it offers an enchanted interlude, inviting visitors to lose themselves in the charm of the past while celebrating the cultural vitality of the present. Whether for a shopping spree, a cultural stroll or simply to soak up the Parisian atmosphere, the Galerie Vivienne remains a must-see treasure in the heart of the City of Light.
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