Fondation Louis Vuitton Review

Louis Vuitton is an iconic luxury brand, renowned for its bags and suitcases, and now also celebrated for its fashion collections.

Located in Paris’s 16th district, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is a stunning example of modern architecture that hosts major art exhibitions. This is my second visit — but the first time with my wife and child.

In this review, we’ll explore whether it’s a place truly worth visiting as a family.

A few words on the Fondation Louis Vuitton

The Fondation Louis Vuitton is a contemporary art museum and cultural center in Paris, designed by architect Frank Gehry.

Opened in 2014, it reflects Louis Vuitton’s commitment to art, creativity, and innovation. The building itself is a striking architectural landmark, hosting major exhibitions by both modern and contemporary artists.

The architecture

The Fondation Louis Vuitton, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, is a striking example of contemporary architecture.

With its sail-like glass structures and flowing, organic forms, the building evokes a sense of movement and lightness. It evokes a certain sense of modernity and elegant playfulness.

Nestled in the Bois de Boulogne, it blends innovation with harmony, making the architecture itself a work of art as captivating as the exhibitions it houses.

The David Hockney Exhibition

We chose to visit the Fondation Louis Vuitton during the European Night of Museums, when it was showcasing an impressive selection of works by David Hockney.

David Hockney is a renowned British artist known for his vibrant use of color and innovative approach to painting, photography, and digital art.

A leading figure in the pop art movement of the 1960s, he’s especially famous for his iconic pool scenes and landscapes.

Hockney continues to push creative boundaries, often blending traditional techniques with modern technology like the iPad.

Our experience

David Hockney’s exhibition

As parents of an 8-month-old, we always take him with us on our outings, whether during the day or in the evening. Fortunately, we found parking right in front of the Fondation, with plenty of spots available around the Bois de Boulogne.

The line was fairly long when we arrived, which was expected given the event. Thankfully, the Fondation was very well organized, and everything moved smoothly. As is common in many museums, visitors with strollers were allowed to skip the line.

That evening, admission to the Fondation was free (European night for Museums), and the entire venue was accessible to strollers and individuals with limited mobility. It was exceptionally well designed—perhaps the best experience we’ve had so far in terms of accessibility.

We weren’t familiar with David Hockney, but thanks to this exhibition we had the opportunity to discover his impressive work.

Vivid colors, flawless perspective, and a hint of impressionist influence. His work has a strong Pop Art sensibility. He doesn’t just capture the physical details of a scene, but also conveys its underlying essence.

I found his nighttime scenes particularly striking—almost photographic, with subjects backlit by the moon and colors taking on a fluorescent quality.

There was even a room featuring animated light displays that told a story—an incredibly immersive experience into his work.

Overall, we were thoroughly impressed by the exhibition — it’s one of the finest I’ve experienced. The layout was exceptionally well thought out.

An amazing venue

I think the thing we like the most about the Fondation LV, is how beautiful the architecture is down to the smallest details. As an aspiring photographer, I enjoy discovering striking compositions within modern architecture, especially when it reveals interesting shapes or repeating lines.

This location is a real haven for both architectural and portrait photographers, with its two terrace levels and the lower ground floor offering stunning settings and an incredible view on La Défense.

From the inside, the extensive use of glass, flowing lines, and curves offers a unique vantage point of the Eiffel Tower.

I believe the essence of an outing lies in experiencing something unique and taking the time to appreciate the subtle details and overall atmosphere. In that regard, the Fondation Louis Vuitton truly delivers.

If, like many of us, you enjoy capturing souvenir photos of yourself in stunning settings, you won’t be disappointed. With the abundance of lines and architectural elements to play with, the possibilities for creative compositions are virtually endless.

The interior resembles the framework of a ship, perfectly complementing the building’s overall design, which evokes the image of a vessel in full sail.

The first time I came, I completely missed going into the auditorium and the level down which is in my opinion one of the best moment of our visit.

Far less crowded, even on such a special night — it turned out to be the perfect place for us to be playful and create something of our own.

I find that staircases always offer a chance to create something captivating. This simple tool for moving up or down becomes a perfect example of how human creativity can infuse wonder into the everyday.

The area with the water stairs, accessible from the lower ground floor, leads to one of the most potent spots for photography.

Honestly, I could spend an entire evening in this area. It’s a paradise for portrait photographers who enjoy experimenting with perspective and repetitive patterns.

At night, it becomes even more captivating as the yellow lighting creates a checkerboard of shadow and illuminated spaces to play with.

Apologies if this is starting to sound like a photographer’s review, but in a way, isn’t the true purpose of art and architecture to spark playfulness and creativity in those who experience it?

I believe this is why we visit places like the Fondation Louis Vuitton or explore a David Hockney exhibition — to evoke emotions and sensations, and to let that inspiration fuel the creation of our own artistic expressions.

Verdict

9.2 out of 10.

It had been a long time since my wife and I enjoyed an evening out like this. It was truly a mesmerizing night that we’ll always remember.

Fortunately, we were able to capture this moment by bringing our camera. I highly recommend visiting this place—especially if you’re looking to contrast the timeless elegance of Parisian architecture with something more modern, yet equally refined.

If you’re visiting with your family like we did and plan to spend the whole day in the area, the nearby Jardin d’Acclimatation is a great addition to your itinerary. This place is highly recommended for families, couples, and aspiring artists alike, a place to visit a least once in your life.