Latest news with #I.M.Pei
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Leave It to Jordan Roth to Try on the Louvre Pyramid as a Skirt
MONUMENTAL FASHION: Most people would look at I.M. Pei's glass-and-metal entrance way at the Louvre and see a pyramid. Jordan Roth saw major skirt inspiration — hence projections of the monument onto his giant white dress, transforming him into a beloved symbol of Paris on Thursday night. Debuting his performance piece 'Radical Acts of Unrelenting Beauty' at the Paris museum, Roth stood on a dais, donned the top of a three-hole dress and then slowly headed skyward until the skirt lengthened, bulged and billowed to the size of a granary. More from WWD EXCLUSIVE: With Robots and Trunk Towers, Louis Vuitton Goes Big With Osaka Exhibition An Exhibition Created by Alejandro G. Iñárritu Is Coming to Fondazione Prada in Milan This Fall Retori Gets Arty With Paris Couture Week Presentation Marisa Berenson, Stephen Jones, Michèle Lamy, Thom Browne, Zac Posen, Becca Cason Thrash, Alexis Mabille, Michel Gaubert and Johan Creten were among the throngs who assembled in the Cour Marly for the world premiere, which started out quietly with a glacial parade of six dancers/helpers in lab coats and white gloves. Eventually, Roth strolled in, looking forlorn and lost in his hooded white robe — until he stepped into a white meringue of a ballgown, and pleasure, pride and wonder spread across his face. The performance unfurled in three acts. For the second, Roth traded his ballgown for massive winged appendages, more projections giving him bird or butterfly wings to try on. Everyone was filming like there was no tomorrow. A Broadway producer turned rabid fashion fan — and devoted couture client — Roth turned out to be bang on trend with his use of vaporous fabrics, seen earlier in the week on the couture runways of Balenciaga and Iris Van Herpen, who also attended on Wednesday night. In an interview prior to his three back-to-back performances, Roth described them as 'an invitation to explore the possibilities of beauty, of self-expression, of transformation, even transcendence.' After the spectacle, guests were funneled into the fashion exhibition running at the museum through Aug. 24 titled 'Louvre Couture: Art and Fashion — Statement Pieces.' Roth was the live primer. Best of WWD Why Tennis Players Wear All White at Wimbledon: The Championships' Historic Dress Code Explained Kate Middleton's Looks at Trooping the Colour Through the Years [PHOTOS] Young Brooke Shields' Style Evolution, Archive Photos: From Runway Modeling & Red Carpets to Meeting Princess Diana
Hypebeast
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Overcrowded Louvre Launches €270 Million Design Competition
Summary After weeks of mounting tensions and a sudden staffstrikethat left thousands queued outside its gates, theMusée du Louvrehas launched an international architectural competition ahead of its much-needed restoration. The Parisian powerhouse opened the competition on June 27 with aims to expand its storied space and ease its visitor congestion through a newly designed entrance and exhibition space for one of its prized centerpieces, the 'Mona Lisa.' Five finalists will be decided by a 21-person jury in October, with the overall winner announced early next year. To prevent massive crowds at the museum's current access points, a new entrance will be planted on the museum's eastern facade, though Unlike I.M. Pei's iconic glass-and-steel pyramid, the museum is seeking proposals that will blend seamlessly with the facade's 17th-century classical colonnades. Breathing room for 'Mona Lisa' is also on the table. Set beneath the Cour Courée courtyard, da Vinci's most famed piece will call a new, 33,000-square-foot, subterraneangalleryits home. The space will offer require a separate timed-entry access from the main galleries, in an effort to thin constant crowds that overwhelm the painting's current room. The initiative follows growing concerns over the Louvre's aging infrastructure and its ability to manage its nearly 9 million annual visitors. According to an internal letter from director Laurence des Cars, leakd byLe Parisien, much of the building suffers from water leaks and unstable climate conditions, putting the collection at risk. In January, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged plans for a five-year renovation plan, which he dubbed a 'New Renaissance' for the institution. With a projected cost of €400 million EUR ($417 million USD) for the overhaul,Le Monde, who first reported the €10 EUR ticket hike for non-European Union visitors, speculates that the funding for the expansion will be supplemented by the uptick.
Forbes
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Stay Cool This Summer With A Staycation At Four Seasons Hotel New York
Four Seasons Hotel New York's New York Suite Anna Michelle Studio LLC Temperatures are sizzling in New York City right now, but one midtown hotel is managing to stay cool in more ways than one. Boasting a plum address on East 57th Street between Park and Madison, a breezy walking distance to can't-miss shopping and attractions, Four Seasons Hotel New York has remained among the city's most luxurious properties since its debut in 1993. Following a four-year hiatus, the commanding skyscraper envisioned by acclaimed architect I.M. Pei unveiled a series of exciting updates last fall, including refreshed accommodations with tablets for personalized temperature and lighting, the latest equipment for the fitness center, and enticing new culinary offerings. The iconic Four Seasons Hotel New York features a striking Art Deco design. Four Seasons Hotel New York In short? After you've checked in here, there's little reason to leave, since everything you need for a luxurious and — just as important during this scorching weather — thoroughly comfortable vacation is at your fingertips. Four Seasons Hotel New York's 219 guest rooms suites offer breathtaking views of the city and Central Park. Anna Michelle Studio LLC The 219 guest rooms and suites, including the hotel's crown jewel, the 4,300-square-foot Ty Warner penthouse suite, were designed as sky-high sanctuaries with neutral palettes, Japanese tamo ash furnishings, walk-in closets, and deep soaking tubs that fill up in two minutes flat. The oversized windows making gazing out over Manhattan and Central Park even more dreamy. Situated below ground, the hotel's fitness center isn't as spacious as some of its sister properties, but it's spotless with the latest Technogym equipment, such as the Artis Run Treadmill and Excite Vario elliptical machine. Just down the hall, the highly anticpated spa is expected to open later this year. Ty Bar at Four Seasons Hotel New York Four Seasons Hotel New York The hotel's two dining venues, Ty Bar and The Garden — both flank the grand lobby adorned with marble, gold accents, and a dramatic 33-foot glass ceiling — offer unforgettable culinary experiences, thanks to executive chef Maria Tampakis and their striking design. Ty Bar sets a stylish scene with red velvet furnishings and a bold black-and-white Manhattan mural, making it the perfect spot for cocktails — including the signature Three Martini Lunch, a whimsical trio of mini martinis — and hearty bites like sliders and crab cakes. Across the lobby, The Garden remains a top destination for New York City's power breakfasts, beloved for its fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes and serene setting beneath towering acacia trees. This summer, The Garden offers even more to savor with seasonal pancakes (strawberry shortcake in July, s'mores in August) and new lunch options like Mediterranean Branzino topped with chardonnay beurre blanc. Want more out of a vacation at Four Seasons Hotel New York? Then book the Experience More offer, which is valid for any room cateogry and includes a $250 dining credit applicable towards The Garden, Ty Bar, and in-room dining. More From Forbes Forbes What Makes Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale Such A Beloved Wellness Destination By Katie Chang Forbes Chef Michael White's Levant Opens At San Juan's La Concha Resort By Katie Chang Forbes Discover A Different Kind Of Luxury At Peru's Tambo Del Inka And Colombia's W Bogota By Katie Chang
NDTV
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Paris Museum Housing 'Mona Lisa' Closes As Staff Protest Tourist Overcrowding
The Louvre museum in Paris, renowned for masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, unexpectedly closed on Monday due to a staff strike. Ticket agents, gallery attendants, and security personnel walked out, citing overcrowding and understaffing, which caused long lines and frustrated tourists. Following a four-hour negotiation with management, the Louvre reopened, allowing access to weary visitors. According to a CNN Style report, visitors were left frustrated, holding tickets without any official communication from museum authorities. The strike was reportedly linked to staff concerns over increasing tourist crowds and working conditions. "It's the Mona Lisa moan out here," said Kevin Ward, 62, from Milwaukee, one of thousands of confused visitors corralled into unmoving lines beneath I.M. Pei's glass pyramid. "Thousands of people waiting, no communication, no explanation. I guess even she needs a day off." Monday's strike comes after French President Emmanuel Macron announced earlier this year that the centuries-old Louvre would undergo renovations to include a separate wing for the Mona Lisa to control crowds better, according to United Press International (UPI). The "New Renaissance" project, which will repair and modernise the former royal palace, will take a decade to complete. Ticket prices are slated to go up next year for tourists who do not live in the European Union to help pay for the project. Last year alone, 8.7 million tourists visited the Louvre, with many complaining about insufficient signage, tight spaces, and lack of restrooms. The Louvre was originally designed to accommodate 4 million visitors a year. Louvre President Laurence des Cars, who was appointed in 2021, limited visitors to 30,000 a day after attendance surged in 2018 to more than 10 million. He has warned that parts of the museum are "no longer watertight" and that fluctuating temperatures could damage the priceless artwork.
Daily Mirror
17-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Europe's most visited museum shuts its doors due to overcrowding fears
The Louvre, the world's most-visited museum, has withstood war, terror, and pandemic - but on Monday, it was brought to a halt by its own striking staff, who say the institution is crumbling under the weight of mass tourism The Louvre was thrust into shutdown by a staff walkout, with workers arguing it is buckling under the strain of excessive tourism. In what seemed an unimaginable scene, the sanctuary housing da Vinci masterpieces and centuries of cultural marvels was brought to a halt on Monday. Countless tourists, clutching their entry passes, were left languishing in long queues underneath I. M. Pei's famed glass pyramid. Kevin Ward, 62, from Milwaukee, said: "Thousands of people waiting, no communication, no explanation. I guess even (the Mona Lisa) needs a day off." The busiest museum in the world was brought to a halt the day after anti-tourism demonstrations rippled through southern Europe. Protesters assembled in Mallorca, Venice, Lisbon and further afield, criticising an economic regimen they claim marginalises residents and undermines city life. The Louvre was hit by an unexpected strike during a routine meeting when gallery attendants, ticket agents and security staff refused to work, protesting against overwhelming crowds, insufficient staffing and what has been described by one union as "untenable" working conditions. It's a rarity for the Louvre to shut its doors unexpectedly. The museum has closed in times of war, during the pandemic, and on the occasion of a few strikes – including impromptu walkouts due to overcrowding in 2019 and safety concerns in 2013. However, it is unusual for such closures to occur so abruptly, without prior notice, and in plain sight of waiting visitors. Moreover, this disruption occurs mere months after President Emmanuel Macron announced an ambitious ten-year plan aimed at addressing the very issues now coming to a head – water damage, hazardous temperature fluctuations, antiquated infrastructure, and visitor numbers exceeding the museum's capacity. Yet, for the employees on the front line, the proposed improvements seem a long way off. "We can't wait six years for help," declared Sarah Sefian, a gallery attendant and visitor services agent. "Our teams are under pressure now. It's not just about the art - it's about the people protecting it." At the heart of the turmoil is the Mona Lisa – the iconic 16th-century painting that attracts contemporary throngs more reminiscent of a celebrity meet-and-greet than a traditional art viewing. An estimated 20,000 visitors cram daily into the Salle des États, the Louvre's most expansive chamber, all eager to capture a selfie with Leonardo da Vinci's mysterious lady behind her protective glass. The atmosphere is often chaotic, bustling, and so crowded that numerous visitors overlook the surrounding masterpieces by Titian and Veronese, which remain underappreciated. "You don't see a painting," lamented Ji-Hyun Park, 28, who travelled from Seoul to Paris. "You see phones. You see elbows. You feel heat. And then, you're pushed out." President Macron's strategy for revolutionising the museum, labelled the "Louvre New Renaissance,", aims to offer a solution. The Mona Lisa is set to be housed in a new, specially designated space, with timed-entry tickets to facilitate better viewing experiences. Plans also include inaugurating a fresh entrance near the Seine River by 2031 to alleviate congestion at the current pyramid entry point. "Conditions of display, explanation and presentation will be up to what the Mona Lisa deserves," Macron declared in January. Nonetheless, Louvre staff have accused Macron of hypocrisy, arguing that the proposed 700 million to 800 million-euro renovation plan conceals an underlying issue. Despite Macron's commitment to creating new access points and exhibition areas, the museum's yearly governmental subsidies have plummeted over 20% in the past ten years, a period when visitor figures dramatically increased. "We take it very badly that Monsieur Le President makes his speeches here in our museum," Sefian remarked, expressing discontent over the state's diminishing financial contributions year on year. While many striking staff intend to stay off work for the entire day, Sefian mentioned that some may briefly return to open a limited "masterpiece route" for a few hours, granting visitors access to key attractions like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The full museum is expected to resume normal operations by Wednesday, and tourists with time-sensitive tickets from Monday might have the opportunity to use them then. The Louvre saw 8.7 million visitors last year, which is more than twice what its facilities were designed for. Despite imposing a daily limit of 30,000 visitors, staff report that the experience has become an everyday challenge, citing insufficient rest areas, scarce bathrooms, and intensified summer heat due to the pyramid's greenhouse effect.
