The Palais de la Porte Dorée looks after its Art Deco heritage

15/9/23 - Heritage - Paris, Palais de la Porte Dorée - How can we not talk about resurrection? A complete décor has been reborn for visitors to this iconic French Art Deco monument : the beautiful Salon des Laques has been restored to its original purpose. Located in the centre of the building, on the top floor, it marks the junction between the two galleries now dedicated to the permanent exhibition - inaugurated last June - and the temporary exhibition rooms, which are currently closed but which will host a double event from next month, organised as part of a rich Asian season. For the 1931 Colonial Exhibition, the architect Albert Laprade designed a triple space for rest, reception and information (ill. 1 to 4).

1. View of the Salon des laques at the Palais de la Porte Dorée
Photo: Cyril Zannettacci

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2. View of the Salon des laques at the Palais de la Porte Dorée
Photo: Cyril Zannettacci

See the image in its page

Home to an exceptional collection of Art Deco furniture drawn by the architect and decorated with magnificent panels by Jean Dunand, the Salon des laques had unfortunately disappeared completely over time: seats and tables had certainly been used in various offices, while the voluminous bookcases had ended up in the cellar. A veritable heritage salvage operation has thus been undertaken in recent years, with the project first drawing up an inventory of the last vestiges of this little-known ensemble. These imposing pieces are not by Printz or Ruhlmann, like the furniture in the two historic drawing rooms on the ground floor of the former Palais des Colonies, but were supplied by Dennery, the famous Faubourg Saint-Antoine firm that was very active in the 1930s. Dismantled, these pieces of furniture in Madagascar rosewood had of course suffered from the ravages of time and were found partially discoloured, but in good condition.

3. View of the Salon des laques at the…