The French call perfume "living art." While perfume is a sensory art, it's also enjoyed for its transformation over time as it interacts with body odor and temperature, and it's believed to have a profound psychological effect. Wearing perfume transcends gender and age, and it's worn as an item that expresses individuality, just like clothing or accessories. The Perfume Museum (Le Grand Musee du Parfum) opened in Paris last December, showcasing everything related to fragrance, including the history and culture of perfume and the craftsmanship of perfumers. Located on Faubourg Saint-Honoré in the 8th arrondissement, where many luxury boutiques line the streets, this beautiful 17th-century mansion boasts a spacious 1,400-square-meter space, including a courtyard. Using the latest technology, the museum has created an interactive exhibit to explain the intangible essence of scent. The exhibits are divided into three themes: "The History of Perfume," "The Secrets of the Sense of Smell," and "The Skills of Perfumers." Guests can awaken their sense of smell while enjoying a total of 70 different scents.
The tour begins on the basement floor, "The History of Perfume," where visitors can get a glimpse into the history of perfume's development, from its birth in ancient Egypt through its evolution. Visitors can learn about stories of love and the scents of historical figures, as well as the fragrances used in ceremonies to seek a connection with God, and how, after its arrival in France in the 18th century, it became a beloved grooming item through collaborations with the fashion world. Visitors can also smell "Kiphi," the world's oldest perfume, which was used for rituals in ancient Egypt.
Basement 1st Floor: "The History of Perfume" Exhibition Floor
After learning about history, head to the "Secrets of the Sense of Smell" exhibition floor on the second floor. This exhibit explains the mechanisms of the sense of smell and the brain, and explains how we perceive "scents." The exhibition delves into the mysteries of the sense of smell, revealing how humans can recognize a rose by mixing just three fragrances, despite the fact that natural roses are composed of over 400 aromatic substances. In another room, visitors are invited to smell familiar scents like basil, blackcurrant, and vanilla, and relish the memories and emotions that arise. An innovative device also allows visitors to experience scent as a way to approach memory.
Second Floor
The final floor, the third floor, is dedicated to "The Perfumer's Craft." Five different roses, each expressed by five perfumers, are transformed into completely different scents—sweet, spicy, or light—depending on their experience and interpretation, demonstrating why perfumes are considered works of art. There's also an innovative installation where you can smell 25 of the most popular fragrances used in perfumes, and by putting your ear close to them you can hear stories about the fragrances. (Japanese is available.)
In another room, interviews with perfumers are shown, revealing their creative process, principles, and inspirations. This is a valuable exhibition space where you can experience the creativity of perfumers, who require not only artistic sense but also chemical knowledge.
Third Floor
The exhibits in the museum are pure fragrances without any alcohol added, so you can enjoy the scent to the very end without your nose becoming numb. The shop on the first floor has a wide selection of perfumes on display, and is more impressive than the perfume counter in a department store. In the future, the museum plans to hold collaborations with artists, workshops, and events such as "fragrance education" for children. Why not experience "living art" by seeing, touching, and smelling it at the world's only perfume museum?
The tour begins on the basement floor, "The History of Perfume," where visitors can get a glimpse into the history of perfume's development, from its birth in ancient Egypt through its evolution. Visitors can learn about stories of love and the scents of historical figures, as well as the fragrances used in ceremonies to seek a connection with God, and how, after its arrival in France in the 18th century, it became a beloved grooming item through collaborations with the fashion world. Visitors can also smell "Kiphi," the world's oldest perfume, which was used for rituals in ancient Egypt.
Basement 1st Floor: "The History of Perfume" Exhibition Floor
After learning about history, head to the "Secrets of the Sense of Smell" exhibition floor on the second floor. This exhibit explains the mechanisms of the sense of smell and the brain, and explains how we perceive "scents." The exhibition delves into the mysteries of the sense of smell, revealing how humans can recognize a rose by mixing just three fragrances, despite the fact that natural roses are composed of over 400 aromatic substances. In another room, visitors are invited to smell familiar scents like basil, blackcurrant, and vanilla, and relish the memories and emotions that arise. An innovative device also allows visitors to experience scent as a way to approach memory.
Second Floor
The final floor, the third floor, is dedicated to "The Perfumer's Craft." Five different roses, each expressed by five perfumers, are transformed into completely different scents—sweet, spicy, or light—depending on their experience and interpretation, demonstrating why perfumes are considered works of art. There's also an innovative installation where you can smell 25 of the most popular fragrances used in perfumes, and by putting your ear close to them you can hear stories about the fragrances. (Japanese is available.)
In another room, interviews with perfumers are shown, revealing their creative process, principles, and inspirations. This is a valuable exhibition space where you can experience the creativity of perfumers, who require not only artistic sense but also chemical knowledge.
Third Floor
The exhibits in the museum are pure fragrances without any alcohol added, so you can enjoy the scent to the very end without your nose becoming numb. The shop on the first floor has a wide selection of perfumes on display, and is more impressive than the perfume counter in a department store. In the future, the museum plans to hold collaborations with artists, workshops, and events such as "fragrance education" for children. Why not experience "living art" by seeing, touching, and smelling it at the world's only perfume museum?
