Kering opens Paris headquarters for Heritage Days exhibitions

Kering is opening its Paris headquarters to the public during the European Heritage Days on September 17-18. This marks the seventh year the luxury group participates in the event, inviting visitors to explore its site at 40, rue de Sèvres, a former hospital complex known as Laennec.

The event will feature two main exhibitions. The Pinault Collection will present "Aria of Inertia," a new exhibition by Belgian artist Edith Dekyndt, which is part of Kering's "Women In Motion" program for the first time. This program aims to highlight women's contributions to art and culture. Additionally, Balenciaga will showcase historical archive pieces under the title "Des robes, au-delà du temps," offering a glimpse into the fashion house's heritage and design evolution.

The building at 40, rue de Sèvres, is a significant historical landmark in Paris, formerly the Laennec Hospital until 2000. Kering, along with Balenciaga, undertook a substantial restoration project to preserve its architectural spirit and historical value before establishing their headquarters there in 2016. The theme for this year's Heritage Days is "Sustainable Heritage," which Kering will highlight by presenting the site's history and the importance of its preservation.

Dekyndt's exhibition explores themes related to human perception and the environment, while Balenciaga's display will focus on textile conservation. Conservators will demonstrate techniques used to handle and preserve fragile historical garments, some of which have inspired the brand's recent couture collections. The displays aim to foster a dialogue between past craftsmanship and contemporary fashion.

The site at 40, rue de Sèvres will be open to the public on Saturday, September 17, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (last entry at 9:00 PM), and on Sunday, September 18, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM).