Mathieu Lehanneur, the designer who came up with the torch and cauldron that will welcome the Olympic flame, redesigned the clock room in the Musée d'Orsay, giving it a new function - that of a bedroom. Photo: AFP
While Airbnb has already established itself as a publicity ace with its ongoing campaign of transforming iconic locations into accommodations for a night, the platform has created a master stroke on the occasion of the 2024 Olympic Games, with the opening of a temporary room in Paris's Orsay museum that provides privileged access to the terrace for a close-up view of the opening ceremony.
While rumours abound about which artists will surprise spectators at the opening ceremony - the latest one suggests Celine Dion could make an appearance, one thing at least is certain: two lucky people will have a front-row seat for this extraordinary show. Airbnb is creating an experience that will give two guests a privileged view of the Seine, while staying at the Musée d'Orsay.
Once again, Airbnb has succeeded in transforming a museum in the City of Light into an overnight guest suite. After setting up experiences in the city's Louvre and Opéra Garnier monuments, this new collaboration is quite a feat, as it is scheduled for the opening day of the Olympic Games, July 26.
And that's not all.
The American accommodation rental giant is teaming up with Mathieu Lehanneur, the designer who came up with the torch and cauldron that will welcome the Olympic flame.
The designer has redesigned the clock room in the Musée d'Orsay, giving it a new function - that of a bedroom. Usually, there's nothing in this room, since it's a vestige from the time when the building was a railway station.
With the floor covered with parquet from Versailles and a bed that appears to "float" above the ground, the ensemble features warm-toned wood finishings.
This ephemeral guest room will be available for one night only, free of charge. The selected guests will have access to the museum's terrace to watch the Olympic ceremony - a front row seat. A gourmet dinner is also planned, and as if that weren't enough, they will also enjoy privileged access to the museum to check out its collection of Impressionist works away from the usual crowds.
Be warned, if you want a chance, you'll have to act fast on May 21 when applications open on the dedicated hosting page. - AFP
