Accommodation and technology platform Airbnb has announced a new promotion that will enable two travellers to spend a night in Paris’ fabled Musée d’Orsay. The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will be held on July 26, meaning the lucky guests will have a front-row seat to the upcoming Paris Olympic Games opening ceremony, an event that is set to transform the Seine River into a dazzling spectacle of light and colour.
Unveiled as part of Airbnb’s new Icons program, the Musée d’Orsay experience marks the first time the stunning museum has been available for public stays. The iconic clock room is housed on the fifth floor of the former Gare d’Orsay, behind a historic 125-year-old clock. Best of all, the entire room set-up has been put together by Mathieu Lehanneur, the designer and creator of the Paris 2024 Games Torch and cauldron. Lehanneur has designed a stunning “floating” bed that sits in the heart of the room, alongside a replica of the Paris 2024 torch.
“For the first time ever, and for just one night, the museum’s iconic clock room will be transformed into a bedroom,” Lehanneur said. “I’ve crafted a unique space that is both romantic and contemporary, intimate yet sumptuous. Surrounded by the works of the greatest Impressionist painters, I invite you to experience the most beautiful night in Paris!”
Importantly, the Musée d’Orsay stay isn’t the only incredible opportunity on offer. Airbnb has confirmed that 30 additional guests will also be able to spend an evening on top of the museum in a secret rooftop garden. Perched atop the terrace, the space has been created especially for the event, with the goal of providing a totally unimpeded view of the opening ceremony. This year, each competing nation will be represented by its own unique boat, which will make its way down the River Seine and directly in front to the museum. Lehanneur will play host for the evening, welcome guests to with a “unique blend of Olympic festivities, arts and design, and Parisian charm”.
“As a French designer, being part of such a significant global event taking place in Paris is an honour,” Lehanneur said. “Hosting this celebration allows me to share my passion for both art and the Olympics with fans from around the world.”
According to Airbnb, the experience isn’t simply and watch and listen, either. The evening kicks off in the main atrium of the Musée d’Orsay, where an art historian will take guests on an exclusive tour of the world’s largest collection of Impressionist art. The tour finishes up at the museum’s terrace where guests will find a magical garden setting to relax and gather as the Opening Ceremony begins.
Margot LeCarpentier, Paris’ “most influential bartender” will also be on hand to dish up drinks, while Kirou, founder of the Paris-based art and music collective 99GINGER, will perform an exclusive DJ set.
So, how do you score the invite? Airbnb has confirmed that request to book the experience will open on June 13th at 3 p.m. CET. You’ll have to find your own way to Paris along with accommodation and a digital pass (Pass Jeux) to access the Musée d’Orsay. Instructions on how to obtain this pass will be provided to individuals selected to participate in the experience. This Experience is available to 30 guests (15 requesting guests and a plus one).
