How Long Did It Take to Build the Louis Vuitton Foundation?

The Louis Vuitton Foundation is a contemporary art and cultural center located in the Bois de Boulogne park in Paris, France. The building was designed by renowned Canadian architect Frank Gehry, known for his unconventional approach to design and use of unique materials. The Louis Vuitton Foundation is considered one of his greatest works, but how long did it take to build this masterpiece?

The Planning Process

Before construction could even begin, there was a lengthy planning process that needed to take place. The idea for the Louis Vuitton Foundation was first proposed in 2001 by Bernard Arnault, the CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE. It took several years for the project to get off the ground due to various legal and financial hurdles.

In 2006, Frank Gehry was selected as the architect for the project, and he began working on designs for the building. It wasn’t until 2008 that construction actually began.

Construction Begins

Construction of the Louis Vuitton Foundation officially began in 2008 with the excavation of the site. This process took several months due to the rocky terrain and required extensive drilling.

Once excavation was complete, workers began pouring concrete for the foundation of the building. This process took several months as well since the foundation needed to be strong enough to support such a large and complex structure.

The Building Takes Shape

Over the next few years, workers continued building upwards, slowly but surely bringing Gehry’s vision to life. The Louis Vuitton Foundation is an incredibly complex structure with many unique shapes and angles. As such, it required specialized workers with experience in constructing unconventional buildings.

By 2012, much of the exterior framework had been completed. However, there were still many finishing touches that needed to be added before it could open its doors.

Opening Day

The Louis Vuitton Foundation officially opened to the public on October 27, 2014, nearly six years after construction began. The building itself took approximately three and a half years to build, but the planning process added several more years to the overall timeline.

Today, the Louis Vuitton Foundation is considered one of the most impressive modern architectural feats in the world. It attracts visitors from all over who come to marvel at its unique design and explore its vast collection of contemporary art.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it took approximately six years for the Louis Vuitton Foundation to go from an idea to a fully-realized building. This timeline includes several years of planning and legal battles in addition to the actual construction process. Despite its lengthy timeline, the Louis Vuitton Foundation is a testament to what can be achieved with meticulous planning and skilled craftsmanship.