A Two Part Exhibition on the Architecture of Department Stores

The Cité de l’Architecture & du Patrimoine and the Decorative Arts Museum have teamed up to create a two-part exhibition about department stores, looking at the evolution of these temples of consumption from their beginnings in the mid-19th century to the present day.

The second part of the exhibition at the Cité de l’Architecture focuses on the “architecture of desire”, examining how these grand structures transformed urban landscapes and revolutionised retail spaces. Department stores emerged as a new category in architecture, blending commerce, spectacle and social interaction. They introduced innovative construction techniques and materials, such as cast iron and glass, to create vast, open interiors flooded with natural light. These buildings became showcases for modern architecture and engineering, often featuring impressive atriums, grand staircases and elaborate façades. With more than 300 original works, the exhibition will highlight iconic department stores and explore their impact on city planning, consumer culture and social dynamics. It will also look at how department stores influenced modern retail design, setting standards for product display, customer service and shopping experiences that apply today.

November 6-April 6

From France Today Magazine