Stories
Grand Palais Rotunda Renamed “Clarence Dillon” for Reopening
The rotunda of the Grand Palais located on the Pont Alexandre III side at 3 Avenue Winston Churchill will henceforth be named the Clarence Dillon Rotunda. This honorary designation, in tribute to the founder of the Domaine Clarence Dillon group, has been officially inaugurated on September 23. At the inauguration, the cocktail, crafted by Chef Christophe Pelé from the restaurant Le Clarence**, was beautifully paired with wines from Domaine Clarence Dillon. This rotunda will provide privileged access to major events at the Grand Palais.
Domaine Clarence Dillon, proud patron of Le Grand Palais
Domaine Clarence Dillon’s Parisian residence is located just a stone’s throw from the Grand Palais, at 31 avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt, in the very heart of the Golden Triangle. This nineteenth-century private mansion, entirely renovated by the most skilled craftspeople, decorated with period furniture and unique art pieces that give it a special homelike charm, houses the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Le Clarence, as well as La Cave du Château, an exceptional retail and online shop selling the finest wines and spirits from France’s terroirs.
Given its close proximity and commitment to preserving heritage, it was only natural for Domaine Clarence Dillon to support the renovation project of its illustrious neighbor, the Grand Palais. The frontage of the Grand Palais on Avenue Franklin D.Roosevelt which is lavishly ornamented by ten majestic statues that are among the most emblematic of the building, has been restored with the backing of Domaine Clarence Dillon. Each of the ten statues represents a noble subject of art and science. By their symbolic representation, they convey the creative power of the artist and the intellectual precision of the scientist. This large-scale restoration project has enlisted skilled craftspeople: stonemasons and restoration professionals, experts in restoration techniques of outdoor statues, whilst giving practical training to young talents in heritage restoration.
Passing on know-how, one of the values dear
to Domaine Clarence Dillon, is reflected here in the best possible
A long-standing tradition of patronage
Since it was first established, Domaine Clarence Dillon has been involved, in France and internationally, in patronage activities and philanthropic donations that promote the cultural influence of French heritage and the arts. This commitment follows the example of its American founder, Clarence Dillon, an aesthete and Francophile passionate about the French art of living, who purchased Château Haut-Brion in 1935. This Franco-American love story and strong bond with the arts has been carried on by his descendants. His son, Douglas Dillon, after serving as U.S. Ambassador to France, became President and Chairman of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and notably founded the museum’s Asian Wing.
In 2010, Domaine Clarence Dillon, represented by its Chairman Prince Robert of Luxembourg, became the first patron, “Honorary Builders”, of the future Cité du Vin in Bordeaux. Prince Robert of Luxembourg became the President of the cultural committee as well as an active board member of the Fondation and its American Friends affiliate.
Since it was first established, Domaine Clarence Dillon has been involved, in France and internationally, in patronage activities and philanthropic donations that promote the cultural influence of French heritage and the arts. This commitment follows the example of its American founder, Clarence Dillon, an aesthete and Francophile passionate about the French art of living, who purchased Château Haut-Brion in 1935. This Franco-American love story and strong bond with the arts has been carried on by his descendants. His son, Douglas Dillon, after serving as U.S. Ambassador to France, became President and Chairman of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and notably founded the museum’s Asian Wing. In 2010, Domaine Clarence Dillon, represented by its Chairman Prince Robert of Luxembourg, became the first patron, “Honorary Builders”, of the future Cité du Vin in Bordeaux. Prince Robert of Luxembourg became the President of the cultural committee as well as an active board member of the Fondation and its American Friends affiliate.
