Hotel de Crillon: Historical Monument and Emblem of the Belle Epoque

A landmark address on the historic Place de la Concorde in the beating heart of Paris, this architectural emblem showcases work by important artists and major feats of engineering. The hotel is currently getting ready for a well-deserved facelift as the façade is meticulously restored by a specially assembled team of experts and master craftsmen.

This high tech facelift promises to preserve the majestic legacy of the hotel for future generations. Timeless legacy In 1758, King Louis XV commissioned celebrated architect Ange- Jacques Gabriel to design two facades to be constructed on Place de la Concorde in Paris. In his innovative use of architecture, materials and technological prowess, Gabriel broke away from the prevailing Ancient Roman and Greek influence to create a gem of French architecture. Gabriel's exemplary design was widely admired and imitated, providing inspiration for the White House in Washington and other monuments worldwide. The palace contained within these facades today provides the sumptuous setting of Hôtel de Crillon.

Emblem of the Belle Époque

In 1775, the City of Paris entrusted the palace to architect and developer Louis-François Trouard who completely transformed the property, spearheading a revolution in hotel architecture. In 1788, the hotel was acquired by the Crillon family. Although the family relinquished the hotel in 1907, the unmistakable Crillon name is associated with the establishment to this day. The property was completely revamped by architect Walter-André Destailleur. The new look hotel reopened its doors in 1909.

Now the finest luxury hotel in Paris, Hôtel de Crillon had been reinvented as an emblem of the Belle Époque. The sculptures, woodwork and tapestries introduced at this time exemplified the finest in traditional French craftsmanship. Displaying technical innovation of remarkable ingenuity, this pioneering monument of the golden age would establish a new trend for international architecture. Building on its role as ambassador of French art de vivre, Hôtel de Crillon was set to become a mecca for dignitaries from the four corners of the globe.

Eyewitness to French and world history

Hôtel de Crillon is intertwined with the events of French history due to its prime location on the historic Place de la Concorde. Indeed, Place de la Concorde provided the backdrop to the marriage of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, the presentation of the Dauphin Louis XVII, the French Revolution, and the execution of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette.

The legendary premises have also played a role in world history by hosting the architects of international political history. Kings, emperors and heads of State have stayed in the hotel's luxurious suites during official visits to Paris to negotiate international treaties. We are privileged to have counted among our esteemed guests US Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Richard Nixon, Emperor of Japan Hiro Hito, and King George V of England.

The Charter of the League of Nations was signed in the hotel's prestigious Salon des Aigles in 1919. Hôtel de Crillon's reputation has also been nurtured by artists and celebrities won over by its charms. Taking pride in delivering outstanding service to each and every guest, the hotel has built a glowing international reputation founded on prestige and history. Hôtel de Crillon prizes the incomparable experience of space and character that never go out of style.

Restoring a masterpiece

Hôtel de Crillon has always been a bastion of modernity, comfort and luxury. It is our responsibility to preserve this internationally-acclaimed gem of French architecture. These exceptional premises have served as a hotel for more than 100 years. Over the next 12 months, we will be working to revive the original grandeur and modernity of the hotel. A specialist team of experts will spend a full year meticulously restoring the hotel to its characteristic splendor. Restoration work will extend to the entire Place de la Concorde, where a large-scale renovation project is tackling one monument at a time.

Once work on the neighboring historical sites has been completed, both facades of Hôtel de Crillon will be painstakingly restored. Scientific and documentary concerns will guide this quest to restore the facades to their former glory. Mr Etienne Poncelet, Head Architect and Chief Inspector of Historical Monuments, fully appreciates the scale of the project: “This is a feat of architectural microsurgery which will require high precision engineering work and expertise in town planning. We will use a balance of technology and tradition
to reveal the true beauty of Hôtel de Crillon."

Historic opportunity

We are excited to watch as the hotel is transformed at the hands of experts over the coming 12 months. Landmark events will include opening up the stone ceiling, until now an architectural blind spot within the building. War trophies will need to be painstakingly disassembled. The unveiling of the Gabriel Vault, a new architectural feature within the hotel, will change the skyline of Place de la Concorde.

Hôtel de Crillon is without a doubt a masterpiece in the legacy of architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel. We look forward to seeing some ingenious feats of engineering and architectural secrets revealed in a testament to the architect's talent for innovation. A specialist team of master craftsmen will be entrusted with this high precision task. The historic project will require age-old techniques and specialty skills ranging from stone-cutting to sculpture restoration and interior design.

The restoration project is divided into three main phases:

- November 2010: Launch of preliminary cleaning work.
- December 2010: Launch of stonework to revitalize weather-weary sculptures.
- Early 2011: Launch of core masonry and stonework. Specialist teams will use microinjections to fortify the stone from the inside out.

The main phases will be broken down into three tasks:

- Restoration of the Loggia (colonnades and ceiling).
- Restoration of the Tempietto (pediment and upper sculptures).
- Rear of the facade on rue Boissy d'Anglas.

Business as usual for world class service During the restoration work, the comfort of our guests will not be affected in the least. The hotel guarantees that our guests will enjoy the high caliber of service expected. Hôtel de Crillon will continue to offer a full range of accommodation and restaurant services to clientele.

Restoration work will be carried out Monday to Friday from 9am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 6pm.