In reality, Baccarat is inseparable from all the greatest events and the brand has been an integral part of the “made in France” lifestyle since 1764, the date of its creation in a village in Lorraine of the same name. In this place, there is one of the two museums — along with the one in Paris nestled in the former private mansion of the Vicomtesse de Noailles — that house this invaluable heritage of more than 10,000 pieces and 35,000 molds.
You will be able to admire two hundred historical pieces, under the large glass roof of the Grimaldi Forum from December 18 to January 11, with free entry. Among these are a pair of turquoise blue candelabras created for the Paris World Exposition in 1877 or the table with the boat, shown in Paris in 1900. Let us not forget the dozen pieces from the collection of Monaco’s princely family, including the pair of bottles with golden motifs containing a double R and a double G, offered by the Baccarat house on the occasion of Prince Rainier III’s wedding with Grace Kelly on April 18, 1956.
It was during a lunch in the magical setting of L’Argentin at the Fairmont in Monte Carlo — where the “scallop candy with lemongrass en papillote” is sheer delight — that Catherine Alestchenkoff, the Director of Cultural Events at the Grimaldi Forum, unveiled a glimpse of the setup chosen by her team.
Each exhibited piece will be lit from below and placed on one of the two large black lacquered tables, all designed to illustrate one of the four themes at the heart of this global reference’s identity: the art and craft of the “Living Treasures” of our Best Craftsmen of France — highlighted by a remarkable photographic exhibition on the hands of these experts — the art of light, the French art of living, and the art of creation, the art of design.
The scenography is designed by William Châtelain, who had already succeeded in the one dedicated to the Manufacture de Sèvres. In addition to the two films that will be continuously shown in an educational space, you will have the privilege of attending two exceptional lectures on the Baccarat house (December 18 and 19 at 6 p.m.) given by Michaëla Lerch — heritage curator of this brand present in 85 countries, “Baccarat, an Exceptional History” and “Heritage and Creation.” It will also be possible to purchase items from the prestigious crystal factory in a special boutique. If you cannot acquire any, just let yourself be carried away by the magic of this crystal…
“Place des arts – Baccarat” from December 18 to January 11, 2009.
(Inauguration on December 18 at 6 p.m.)
Grimaldi Forum of Monaco / Large glass roof
10 Avenue Princesse Grace
Open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. except December 25 and January 1
Free entry for exhibition and conferences
More info at www.grimaldiforum.mc and www.baccarat.fr
