Kering opens head office to the public for 2016 European Heritage Days

London - Luxury conglomerate Kering is set to open the doors of its head office at 40, rue de Sèvres, Paris - formerly the Laennec Hospital - to the public as part of the 33rd edition of the European Heritage Days.

The listed Historic Monument, now home to Kering's and Balenciaga's head offices, will be open for viewing on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September following extensive renovation work. To mark the occasion, a number of pieces from the Pinault Collection will be on display in the Chapel, in addition to selected haute couture designs from the Balenciaga archives.

"From the outset I wanted Kering’s and Balenciaga’s new head offices to reflect our identity and our values," said François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, in a statement. "The unusual project to renovate the former Laennec Hospital was an ambitious challenge. This unique place in the centre of Paris, remarkable by its history, its size and its simple beauty, has a soul."

"The original harmony of the site and the high quality of the renovation work mean that 40, rue de Sèvres will not only a be source of pride for all our employees, but a place of sharing and inspiration," he added. "It perfectly reflects our nature as a Luxury Group, a Group in motion that embodies a bold luxury, with the freedom to make its own choices."

A selection of works from the Pinault Collection will be showcased in the Chapel. Entitled Echoes, the exhibitions aims to explore representations of the sacred and includes: Décor (2011-2012), by Adel Abdessemed; All (2007), by Maurizio Cattelan; Gelijkenis I & II (2002), by Marlene Dumas; and The Last Supper (1999), by Hiroshi Sugimoto.

In addition, an unprecedented selection of haute couture dresses from Cristóbal Balenciaga will on display in the new Balenciaga sections. Twenty-seven original designs from the fashion house's archives will be shown, representative of his two creative periods will be on display in the Croix Est at 40, rue de Sèvres, including the famous 'Cocoon' coat from 1966 and the 'Baby Doll' dress from 1958.

"I was keen to give to the public rapid access to this architectural jewel, which is such a part of Parisian history, and which has now been given a new lease of life," explained Pinault. "The temporary exhibitions we are presenting today fully reflect this two-fold mission of heritage and creativity."

Photos: Courtesy of Kering