The Paris Fashion Museum is a must for understanding the evolution of fashion, from the 18th century to the present day. The richness of the collections and the architecture of the Palais Galliera make it a fascinating place to discover.
Book your guided tour now with Guides Tourisme Services, for a personalized and enriching experience with a professional guide. Paris tourist guide.
The Palais Galliera
The Palais Galliera, located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, is a building designed by architect Paul-René-Léon Ginain at the request of the Duchess of Galliera. The initial aim was to create a space to exhibit her art collection.
The palace, with its Beaux-Arts style, is surrounded by a garden and features a monumental facade with bay windows and columns reminiscent of Renaissance inspiration. The interior is equally impressive, with mosaics and painted ceilings.
This place has a special feature: beneath its exposed stonework, a metal structure designed by the Gustave Eiffel supports the building. This marriage of tradition and innovation is characteristic of late 19th-century construction.
In fact, the building permits of the time include a reference to M. Eiffel's company: « Serrurerie et ferrronnerie, Mr Eiffel entrepreneur».
The Palais Galliera has had an eventful history. Initially intended to house the duchess's art collection, the project never saw the light of day due to administrative disputes. However, the City of Paris was able to turn this architectural gem into a museum dedicated to fashion.
Today, the palace is home to permanent and temporary exhibitions which explore clothing trends over the centuries. Each visit reveals how clothing styles and customs have evolved.
History of the Paris Fashion Museum
The Paris Fashion Museum was founded in the 1970s. It specializes in presenting the evolution of French fashion, from the 18th century to the present day. The museum is distinguished by its exceptional collection, including rare pieces that testify to the importance of fashion in social and cultural history.
Before becoming the place we know today, the Palais Galliera underwent several transformations. In 1954, it hosted its first costume exhibition. It wasn't until 1977 that it officially became a museum dedicated to fashion, at the instigation of the Mayor of Paris. Its aim is clear: to show the general public how clothing reflects social, economic and cultural change.
The museum's exhibitions are constantly adapting to meet visitors' expectations. From historic costumes to contemporary creations, each exhibition offers a new reading of fashion through the ages.
The collections
The Palais Galliera's collections are among the most important in the world. With nearly 200,000 works, covering three centuries of French clothing history. Clothes, accessories, photographs and drawings are carefully preserved and presented in regularly renewed exhibitions.
- Historical costumes : The museum's collection of 18th-century outfits bears witness to the strict dress codes of the period. These garments provide an insight into the dress habits of aristocrats.
- Contemporary creation : From the 1950s onwards, ready-to-wear began to develop in France. The museum preserves pieces from this period, with iconic labels such as Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent.
- Accessories and objects : In addition to clothing, the collections also include accessories such as shoes, hats and jewelry, which complement the outfits on display.
- Fashion photography : The Palais Galliera also houses an impressive collection of fashion photographs, tracing the evolution of style through the ages and the major fashion houses.
Each object or outfit tells a story. Browsing through these collections, we discover how fashion has always been a reflection of society.
Vogue Paris Foundation
The Palais Galliera receives substantial support from the Vogue Paris Foundation, This initiative aims to finance acquisitions to enrich the museum's collections. This collaboration enables the museum to acquire exceptional pieces, such as haute couture dresses or contemporary creations by renowned artists.
The foundation also plays a key role in organizing events to highlight France's fashion heritage. Each year, a charity gala is organized to raise funds, attracting influential figures from the fashion world.
Thanks to this support, the Palais Galliera can continue to offer ever richer and more varied exhibitions. This contributes to reinforcing Paris' position as a fashion capital and maintaining the museum's position as one of the most prestigious in the world.
Guided tour with a tour guide
A guided tour with a guide speaker brings a whole new dimension to the discovery of Paris Fashion Museum. The guide's expertise helps contextualize the outfits and accessories on display, explaining how they fit into the evolution of trends and aesthetic currents.
A guide also offers anecdotes and details not easily found in conventional exhibition descriptions. Why was the French dress so voluminous? Which designers shook up the conventions of their time? These questions will be answered during a guided tour.
Families, couples or groups who choose this option benefit from a more immersive experience. At Guides Tourisme Services, our tour guides are trained and qualified. They make your visit as enriching as it is enjoyable. They'll share with you their love of the history and richness of this Parisian landmark.
