On 16 and 17 September, Kering will participate for the eighth consecutive time in the European Heritage Days by opening the doors of its headquarters, the former Laennec hospital, at 40, rue de Sèvres in Paris, with a night on Saturday evening. The 40, rue de Sèvres is one of Paris' heritage gems. Known for having housed the Hospice des Incurables, then the Laennec Hospital, it was then the subject of a vast rehabilitation project: subject to the requirements of hospital practice, this architectural masterpiece had undergone many attacks on its original appearance. In 2000, the State ceded the entire site in order to finance the construction of the European Georges-Pompidou Hospital, and substantial development work was carried out in order to recover and upgrade the constructions dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The challenge was of immense complexity: to restore the value of the places without betraying the spirit, and this, in respect of the spaces classified or inscribed, like the chapel built under Louis XIII. Associated with the rehabilitation project from the outset, Kering has actively contributed to the revival of the 17,000 m² of this unique site that hosts the headquarters of Kering and Maison Balenciaga. And it is quite natural that the Group made the decision, since its installation in 2016, to open the doors of its headquarters, offering the public a rare opportunity to discover the history of this exceptional place in order to make all generations aware of the importance of preserving and presenting heritage. The Pinault Collection has been participating in the event alongside Kering since 2016,and this year will present an unprecedented selection of contemporary art works for the very singular space of the chapel of the former Laennec hospital. In the Eastern Cross of Laennec, the Maison Balenciaga will present a selection of Cristóbal Balenciaga’s creations designed by the Maison’s artistic director, Demna. A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of Balenciaga and discover a new facet of its creative universe. Finally, for the first time this year, visitors will have access to an immersive journey retracing the history and identity of Kering since its creation. A children’s booklet will be made available to visitors to allow the youngest to discover this exceptional place from a playful angle.