- Özgür Töre
As its 300th anniversary draws near, Maison Ruinart has unveiled a stunning environmentally-friendly architectural project at the heart of its home in Reims.
Named after the founder of the world’s first champagne house, the new visitor center in Reims will carry on Ruinart’s vision at its historic site.
“Our founder wanted this historic address at 4, rue des Crayères in Reims to express the quintessence of Maison Ruinart. This is where the Maison has continually reinvented itself with time-honored savoir-faire,” says Frédéric Dufour, President of Maison Ruinart
This project takes concrete form in the construction of the new Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion. A tribute to the crayères – the subterranean chalk galleries that run beneath Reims, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015 – the Pavilion will create a memorable experience for visitors, immersing them in the universe of Ruinart with a blend of nature, culture, history, art de vivre and savoir-faire.
Seamlessly integrated with the historic buildings at the site, the contemporary visitor center illustrates the alliance of tradition and modernity. The project brings together a unique creative trio: renowned Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, interior designer Gwenaël Nicolas and landscape designer Christophe Gautrand. Construction will stretch over 24 months.
“We want to create an experience that expresses all the facets of our universe. The experience of Ruinart should embody the founder’s vision of creativity and excellence,” Ruinart President Frédéric Dufour adds.
The Maison Ruinart experience will be heightened by a personalized welcome and a bespoke itinerary. Chef Arnaud Donckele will design a culinary offering that will be executed by Ruinart resident chef Valérie Radou.
Ruinart and 3-Michelin-star chef Donckele recently announced an alliance inspired by shared values including a quest for excellence, a desire to pass on savoir-faire and continually renewed creativity.
