A Second Empire Gala
Secret Treasures of the Richelieu Wing
The Grand Salon and the Theatre Salon
On the decoration and furnishing of this grand salon, Hector Lefuel lavished all the luxury of the Second Empire. Here the minister of state gave sumptuous galas for his most prestigious guests.
The furniture is both innovative and comfortable: the small chairs in delicate gilded wood can easily be rearranged. The round canapé borne in the middle of the room invites sitters to loll at their ease. The indiscret, a bizarre triple armchair, encourages intimate three-way conversations. The monumental chandelier weighs 3 tons.
The painted ceiling evokes the major construction phases of the Louvre, from François 1er to Napoleon III.
In the next room, we may admire the portraits of Napoleon III and the Empress Eugenie. A little farther, the impressive dining room recalls the splendour of formal dinners.
A Theatre Salon
Did you notice the gallery over the passageway leading to the next salon? Musicians were placed there. If necessary, this large salon could be transformed into a theatre holding nearly 200 guests.