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History of The Plaza Athénée
In 1852, the Emperor Napoléon III commissioned Georges Haussmann to transform Paris, a quiet medieval city, into a modern and bustling capital which would enjoy world-wide recognition. During this period, many unique hotels were built which have today become symbols of traditional French style.
In 1911, at 25 Avenue Montaigne, the Plaza Athénée opened at the same time as the nearby Theatre des Champs Elysées: the hotel soon became the gathering place for the most prominent composers and performers of the day.
By 1936, the hotel had achieved international fame. The Galerie des Gobelins and the restaurant “Le Relais Plaza”, its salons and apartments hosted many great personalities of this period including Joséphine Baker, Rudolph Valentino and Maurice Chevalier.
When Christian Dior opened on Avenue Montaigne in close proximity to the Plaza Athénée, a new era began. Avenue Montaigne quickly turned into the avenue of ‘haute couture’, and the Plaza Athénée became Paris’ focus for fashion and the arts. In the past, the Plaza Athénée has hosted such famous guests as Grace Kelly, Gary Cooper, Jackie Kennedy and the Ford family. The Plaza Athénée has now become a landmark.
Since the beginning of year 2000, the complete refurbishment of the Plaza Athénée has combined its traditional classical style with the most modern technology, further enhancing its already legendary reputation as one of the great hotels of the world. The Plaza Athénée is prepared to enchant its many visitors in the decades to come…