Galeries Lafayette Lumière

Since its opening in 1894, Galeries Lafayette has been at the forefront of product curation, while also setting new standards for patron services. Its unique size – it is among the biggest department stores in Europe – makes it akin to a city: a three dimensional network of paths, squares, neighbourhoods, activities and views pivoting around a spectacular central void and providing opportunities for commercial, social and cultural encounters. From Galleries Lafayette’s origins in the late 19th century to the WWII occupation, and from the changes made in the 1960s and 1970s to accommodate larger masses to the present times, the department store’s development reflects France’s modern history and social transformations.