Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris

The Palais Galliera, formally designated as the Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris, serves as the City of Paris's primary museum dedicated to fashion and fashion history. Located at 10 avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie in the 16th arrondissement, the institution is a prestigious venue devoted to the history of clothing and haute couture. Since 1977, the City of Paris has operated the Palais Galliera as a permanent museum, presenting exhibits of French fashion design and costume spanning from the eighteenth century to the present day. The museum is characterized by its focus on temporary exhibitions that highlight major designers and pivotal developments in the fashion industry, often closing between exhibitions to prepare new displays.

The museum's origins trace back to 1879, when the Duchess of Galliera commissioned the construction of a palace to house her extensive art collection. The Duchess passed away in December 1888 before the building was completed. In May 1889, her heirs donated 1.3 million francs to the City of Paris to finish the construction. The architect Léon Ginain completed the museum in February 1894, and it was officially received by the city in July of that year. Initially, in the absence of the Duchess's art collection, the City of Paris utilized the museum for temporary displays, with the first exhibition focusing on portraits of women and lace. It was not until 1977 that the venue was formally established as the permanent Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.