Inside Dior’s Refashioned Paris Headquarters — The Reimagined Flagship Brings a Museum, a Restaurant and More

Christian Dior chose the Paris hotel particulier at 30 Montaigne as the home of his burgeoning fashion house in 1946. He would have no other address. Now, 75 years later, the historic headquarters sparkles anew. After two years of renovations and restorations, Dior’s captivating and glamorous Paris flagship is open once again.

Chosen by Monsier Dior for its understated setting, modest proportions and neoclassical façade, Dior held his first show at 30 Montaigne on December 15, 1946.

“When the house of  Dior first opened, it had three ateliers under the eaves of 30 Avenue Montaigne, a tiny studio, a salon in which to show the dresses, a cabine or dressing room for the models, an office and six small fitting rooms,” Dior recounted in his memoirs.

The building at 30 Montaigne became an important part of the mystique of Dior. From its galleries to its showrooms and classic wrought-iron staircase, the building was a recognizable backdrop. (You can take an interactive full tour if its historic spaces here.)

The expanded, reimagined complex now encompasses more than 100,000 square feet, including lushly landscaped gardens, a museum, a restaurant and patisserie, Dior shops and enhanced haute couture salons, including a private apartment for use by VIP clients.

With its reopening , Christian Dior’s beloved “beehive” is abuzz once more. Let’s take a peek inside the newly reimagined hallowed halls:

La Galerie Dior

Now home to La Galerie Dior at 30 Montaigne, the museum offers an exhibition space that bears witness to the legendary designer himself, as well as the genius of his six successors: Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferre, John Galliano, Raf Simons and Maria Grazia Chiuri. Ticketed and time-slotted tours are available to book online.

Dramatic New Ateliers and Boutique

The central spiral staircase of the ateliers and boutique is backed by an installation of designs in white, which seem to rise to the sky. Many of the atelier spaces flow together and rise two stories, but each salon has departmental separation from ready to wear, atelier jewelry and hand bags to Dior Maison home goods, cosmetics and perfumes. And no one should miss the shoe gallery with its mirrored ceiling.

Haute Couture Salons

Located near the ateliers and visible from the boutique through a large bay window, the haute couture salons regain their former prestige, guarding the secrets of special clients with private fittings and collaborations.

The salons are enhanced by wooden moldings and a parquet floor featuring a compass rose (a Dior classic) designed by architect Peter Marino. This refined setting brings an impressive selection of furniture and works of art, such as an abstract floral sculpture commissioned from Johan Creten. There are also tables designed by Ado Chale and Claude Lalanne.

The Restaurant and Patisserie

Le Restaurant Monsieur Dior is driven by French chef Jean Imbert’s, who was inspired by the heritage and history of Dior to develop the menu, including  classic dishes from the founding couturier’s  favorite recipes.

The food is enhanced by exclusive Dior Maison collections, making the table settings regal and impressive.

La Pâtisserie Dior overlooks a sumptuous rose garden; its French cakes frequently reinvent Dior symbols in edible form.

From breakfast to tea time and barista-crafted coffees, this is now a fashion and social paradise.

Dior Garden Power

The gardens now encompass three green sanctuaries designed by Belgian landscape architect Peter Wirtz in collaboration with architect Peter Marino. On the ground floor, the windows of Le Restaurant Monsieur Dior are framed by tropical trees and perennial flowers, with a winter garden, located one floor above, under a glass roof. The terrace is adorned with a striking steel sculpture by John Chamberlain. On the third level, apple trees and Christian Dior’s favorite flowers (roses) bloom.

Coming off the heels of the fashion house’s 75th anniversary, Dior is certainly having a moment.