Hotel Gaillard, Private mansion in 17th arrondissement of Paris, France
The Hôtel Gaillard is a private residence in Paris's 17th arrondissement distinguished by red brick walls and slender turrets that stand out against the surrounding stone buildings near Place du Général-Catroux. It now houses the Cité de l'Economie museum, which has occupied the building since 2019 to present exhibitions focused on economic education.
Banker Émile Gaillard commissioned architect Jules Février in 1878 to design this Renaissance-inspired residence, drawing inspiration from the Château de Blois. The Bank of France later acquired the property in 1919 and converted it into a bank branch while preserving its distinctive architectural character.
The mansion once housed an extensive collection spanning Medieval and Renaissance periods, including Flemish tapestries and Asian porcelain that reflected the owner's refined taste. These artworks shaped how wealthy Parisians displayed their cultural sophistication within their private homes.
The building is visible from the nearby Place du Général-Catroux, where you can easily observe its distinctive architectural features from outside. If you want to explore the interior, check the museum's visiting hours beforehand, as access to the building is limited to exhibition times.
Built between 1878 and 1882, this residence was deliberately modeled after the Loire Valley château Château de Blois, bringing Renaissance castle architecture into an urban Paris setting. This choice of inspiration was uncommon for a private mansion in the capital at that time.
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