A Stunning Display of Baccarat Crystal at the Petit Palais

The Petit Palais in the 8th arrondissement will be the location of a strikingly beautiful exhibit running from October 15, 2014 until January 4, 2014. The exhibit is called 'Baccarat' and it pays tribute to the legendary house of fine crystal. The history of Baccarat stretches back all the way to 1734, when King Louis XV ordered a glassworks to be constructed in the French town of Baccarat. Today, the now-private company continues to be responsible for a range of fine crystal goods including masterful chandeliers, tableware, jewelry and other crystal objects.

The exhibition at the Petit Palais concentrates on the company's creations between 1823 and 1937, representing more than 500 works. Guests staying at one of the Sister Hotels Champs-Elysées can experience the beauty just moments away from their rooms. Pieces such as the Candelabra of the Czar and the Dressing Table of the Duchess of Berry made the Baccarat name internationally renowned and they will soon be seen at the Petit Palais.

The history behind the famous Harcourt glass will also be revealed, as its design was inspired in 1840 from the monogrammed chalice of King Louis-Philippe. The likes of Napoleon III, Pope John Paul II and the Queen of Siam went on to adopt the Harcourt glass as their own. It therefore became an icon of excellence, elegance and perfection.

The exhibit includes crystal glasses, lusters, vases, tables and much more as the talent of the Baccarat artisans is explored. Moreover, sketches and archival documents accompany the pieces, offering behind-the-scenes insight on the inspiration and execution of these pieces. In the museum's Galerie d'Honneur, a series of lusters will light up the space with hundreds of lights. The most majestic luster contains 250 lights itself.

As such, the Baccarat exhibit at the Petit Palais gives visitors a glimpse into the luxurious world of the historic crystal manufacturer.