Jardin d’Acclimatation gets a makeover for spring 2018
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© Jardin d'Acclimatation
Last fall the Paris City Council awarded a 25-year concession to operate the Jardin d’Acclimatation to a partnership between the LVMH Group and Compagnie des Alpes. The Jardin recently presented an ambitious renovation and modernization program, scheduled to last six months and representing 60 million euros of work. The 18-hectare (45-acre) park will undergo its first major transformation since 1860 while retaining its unique spirit. The vast project will see remodeling of the landscaping, restoration of the architectural heritage, new rides, an updated restaurant offering and a revamped website, all shaped by a focus on service excellence for visitors. The result will be a completely rejuvenated park that retains all its distinctive enchantment and charm. The future Jardin d’Acclimatation will be completed on May 1, 2018.
On September 26, 2016 the Paris City Council awarded a public service concession to operate the Jardin d’Acclimatation to a consortium held 80% by LVMH, which has managed the park since 1984, and 20% by Compagnie des Alpes. The Jardin d’Acclimatation recently unveiled the details of a major renovation program centered on four key objectives: offer visitors a complete leisure experience, including an updated and attractive selection of rides; restore the architectural heritage, which includes an ensemble of Second Empire creations unique in Paris; restructure the landscaping, drawing inspiration from the original design; rethink, diversify and expand visitor services. At the same time the Jardin’s digital ecosystem, built around its website, will be completely revamped.
Developed in partnership with the City of Paris and architects from France’s Bâtiments de France heritage and landmarks office, the investment program launched by LVMH represents some 60 million euros. The Jardin aims to attract three million visitors per year, making it one of the top three theme parks in France. Seventeen new rides designed to delight both children and their parents will be added, joining the 25 existing rides, which will also be modernized. The overall theme will be a “steampunk” spirit that revisits the 19th century with a third millennium take, fusing science fiction and fantasy.
Nature will have pride of place throughout the 18-hectare park, with an emphasis on biodiversity, culture, sports and technology. A unique ecological promenade will also be created at the Normandy Farm, where the project will begin with renovation of the buildings and surrounding area. A more extensive agenda of temporary and seasonal events will be developed, along with more workshops for schoolchildren. The food and beverage offering will be rethought as well, reflecting the park’s diverse public with themed outlets aligned with different parts of the Jardin.
These transformations mark a new stage in the beautification of the Jardin, a process that has been ongoing since 2000, enabling the park to welcome two million visitors a year from Paris, France and other countries. Visitors clearly enjoy an experience that complements the adjoining Fondation Louis Vuitton and soon the “Maison LVMH/ Arts – Talents – Patrimoine” to be created at the site of the former Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires.
Faithful to its public service mission, the Jardin d’Acclimatation will remain open during the renovation, although certain areas will be temporarily closed to the public (the Village des Manèges rides, Petite Ferme farm and Grande Volière aviary). During this period, pop-up and seasonal events will be added, and a selection of children’s rides will be installed at the center of the park. To celebrate the future Jardin d’Acclimatation, entry, rides and entertainment will all be free on Sunday, September 3, the last day before the launch of six months of work at 30 sites across the park, culminating with a fireworks display. The Jardin d’Acclimatation’s promise to its loyal Parisian visitors is crystal clear: “We’re keeping everything you love about the park and inventing more exciting new things for you to love.”