La Samaritaine, located on Rue de Rivolin, is one of the largest shopping malls in the French fashion capital of Paris. It has undergone three renovations: the first between 1883 and 1933, designed by Frantz Jourdain in the Art Nouveau style; the second, in 1933, when architect Henri Sauvage redesigned Samaritaine in the Art Deco style; and the last, when French luxury conglomerate LVMH partnered with high-end retailer DFS to undertake an $894 million renovation, rebuilding Samaritaine after it closed in June 2005 for safety reasons.
After 16 years of absence from the Parisians, Samaritaine returns with a completely new look, becoming a complex of restaurants, hotels, luxury shops of 600 big and small brands. LVMH has collaborated with many world-class design talents to bring back the former glory of La Samaritaine. The entire great architectural work of the building can be admired as soon as you enter the main hall. 6 floors of stairs covered with more than 16,000 pieces of gold leaf painted in a gentle blue color swirl up forever, creating a large space like a soaring skylight, and sunlight through the glass dome shines down on each floor of Samaritaine, making people feel like they are walking among the boulevards in Paris.
"We have been preparing for this special adventure for a long time. I am really happy to welcome customers back and just want to enjoy every moment," said Salim Benzemrane, a La Samaritaine employee.
The Samaritaine reopening was originally set for 2020 to mark its 150th anniversary. However, after multiple delays and cancellations due to Covid-19, the historic building finally opened its doors as France eased restrictions to revive tourism. It was also an incredible message to the world that things would return to normal after the pandemic.
Bernard Arnault, Chairman of LVMH, said: "I am both delighted and proud to see La Samaritaine restored to its splendor and iconic stature. La Samaritaine has a past deeply intertwined with the people of Paris, a history defined by bold vision, prosperity and solidarity. Today, everything turns a new page, and I know that the story will continue well into the future."
