Louis Vuitton Foundation Museum: reviews, price and practical tips

+30
recs
4.2/5 5 reviews
8 avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116 Paris, France
8 avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116 Paris, France
Premium access including round trip shuttle from Place de l'Etoile from $25*
Booking recommended
Book now
Fondation Louis Vuitton
Fondation Louis Vuitton
Jeux de lumière sur les voiles

Visiting the Louis Vuitton Foundation Museum

Set in the bois de Boulogne in Paris, the Louis Vuitton Foundation Museum is dedicated to contemporary art and changing exhibitions. Designed by the architect Frank Gehry, its daring glass and metal building is a work of art in its own right, drawing architecture buffs and art lovers alike.

A Distinctive Design

The museum stands out for its architecture made of twelve glass sails, giving the impression of a ship in motion. Inspired by 19th-century greenhouses, the building captures light and sky, creating plays of transparency and reflection. Its futuristic concept blends right into the leafy surroundings of the bois de Boulogne.

Major Exhibitions

The museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, showcasing international contemporary artists alongside private collections. Some shows focus on major modern masters, while others explore current art trends. The rotation changes regularly, giving visitors a fresh experience every time.

Terraces and Outdoor Spaces

From the museum's terraces, views stretch across Paris, with panoramas reaching toward La Défense and the Eiffel Tower. The outdoor areas also feature art installations and a reflecting pool that accentuates the building's perspective. Strolling around the museum lets you appreciate how it fits into the natural setting of the bois de Boulogne.

Premium access including round trip shuttle from Place de l'Etoile from $25*Booking recommended
Check availability

Opening hours

Monday 11:00-20:00
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 11:00-20:00
Thursday 11:00-20:00
Friday 11:00-21:00
Saturday 10:00-20:00
Sunday 10:00-20:00
Hours are indicative and subject to change

*Information subject to change

Reviews of the Louis Vuitton Foundation Museum

Summary of 5 reviews
4.2/5
Average rating
+30 recs +30 -0 Score weighted by contributor expertise level: a recommendation from a level 3 member counts as 3.
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
3.4
As a couple
4.6
With friends
4.2

Avygeo ranking

#56
in the world
#54
in Europe
#33
in France
#19
in Paris

A great discovery

Even though I am not necessarily a huge fan of contemporary art, I really liked this museum. First off, the architecture of the building is magnificent, it is impressive. Then, the collections inside are interesting and varied, and they change regularly. I find that the best thing to do is to opt for a guided tour.

16
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Access to the Jardin d'acclimatation

The Louis Vuitton Foundation is one of my favorite museums in Paris. The building itself, designed by architect Frank Gehry, is magnificent. Their exhibits are explained by guides. There is very little text, and what is there is very educational, which makes the experience much more pleasant compared to other museums.
The best part is the free access to the Jardin d'acclimatation to get some fresh air after your visit. A bit old-fashioned, it is really nice for a walk in the greenery and its attractions are fun.

10
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A very contemporary art center

The unique architecture of the building, with its glass panels, curved lines, and reflecting pool, is worth the trip all by itself. I went for the exhibition dedicated to the Shchukin collection, which featured some magnificent Gauguin paintings. I appreciate the permanent collection less, as there are few pieces and they are very contemporary, which left me feeling pretty indifferent. The foundation's restaurant, with its large glass roof and terrace, is very pleasant in the summer but really expensive.

9
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Big spaces for big exhibits

Museum located right in the middle of the Bois de Boulogne (access is relatively complicated) that offers almost no permanent exhibits. On the other hand, there are large temporary exhibitions that follow one another (Basquiat, Rothko...). It is up to you to check the schedule to see if it might interest you. For my part, I attended the Rothko exhibition, and the canvases were not quite to my taste. However, I discovered a great exhibition space: the exterior of the museum, designed by Gehry, is remarkable. The interior is also interesting in itself, and the alternation of large rooms and small rooms makes it possible to put on exhibitions that tell a story.
There are also several terraces that allow you to see different views of the Bois de Boulogne, La Defense, Paris...

9
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A concept that does not quite deliver

Right next to the Jardin d'Acclimatation, in the middle of the bois de Boulogne but too far from the Sablon metro station, this museum is in an ideal and privileged spot for a relaxing cultural break. The architecture of the building, shaped like a sailboat, is remarkable and worth the trip all on its own. The architect is Frank Gehry, who we also have to thank for the famous Guggenheim museum in Bilbao.
The interior is very spacious and offers a fairly large and varied collection of contemporary art. The temporary exhibits are refreshed frequently, with themes or artists coming from all over the world. There is a restaurant inside that is expensive, but it offers a unique and super bright setting!
In short, everything could be nice... But it bothers me that this foundation created by the billionaire Arnault (the wealthiest person in the world in 2023) is so expensive. He would have had the means to build this museum in the middle of the city (and leave the current location to nature), or to offer free admission or a pay-what-you-want price (like some major museums do abroad). That is where I would have understood the concept of a "Foundation" making culture accessible to everyone. Kind of in the spirit of the Soumaya Museum in Mexico City, created by the billionaire Carlos Slim.
We are not there yet.
8
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