apple opens store inside historic building on paris' champs-élysées

hot on the heels of opening its first store in thailand, apple now welcomes visitors to another prized location. ‘apple champs-élysées’ occupies a haussmann-era apartment building on paris’ famed avenue. at the center of the scheme, the inner courtyard has been transformed into ‘apple’s grandest forum’ — dedicated to the company’s ‘today at apple’ sessions.

apple champs-élysées opened on the famed parisian avenue on november 18, 2018

apple’s design of the store seeks to honor the building’s past, while introducing a series of modern spaces. the façade and entryway have been restored and the burgundy stone of the exterior has been carried throughout the building. french oak parquet floors line the upper levels, which aim to revive the building’s original spirit by restoring the detailing and interconnected spaces of the quintessential parisian apartment.

the store’s forum hosts ‘today at apple’ sessions

‘working within a historic parisian building is a great responsibility and a phenomenal opportunity,’ said jony ive, apple’s chief design officer, who developed the project in collaboration with foster + partners. ‘our first priority was to honor the history of the building, while thoughtfully updating it to create spaces both grand and intimate. the carefully interweaving layers are warm and light filled, celebrating the timeless spirit of the city.’

the design revives original details of the haussmann-era building

apple says that several of the design features also serve an environmental purpose. a sculptural roof light covers the courtyard, providing sunlight to the space below and generating renewable energy with photovoltaic panels. meanwhile, an integrated rainwater collection system provides water for the bathrooms, trees, and green walls. as with all of apple’s facilities, the store is powered by 100 percent renewable energy. the store opened to the public on november 18, 2018.

more than 330 employees will welcome the store’s first visitors

as with all apple stores, the location is powered by 100 percent renewable energy