He has preserved intact only the marbled fireplaces or a sudden flash of sunshine-yellow wallpaper patterned with bees that has been classified a historical monument. Even the parquet floors have been given a modernist treatment. A black square is painted at the center of each room. That is not true, however, of the view from the museum windows, which is of the harmonious Louvre Palace with its neoclassical statues and arches. Although there is as yet no sign of fragrance impregnating the metallic silver bar or wafting round the computer terminals, the museum does have a sound exhibit of advertising jingles put together by Frederic Sanchez and Fred Bladou, whose hip remixes are favored sound tracks for Paris fashion shows.
Technology provides an exciting element.
The installations are intended both as fun for the public and as an important research source for professionals. Through 12 terminals, visitors can consult the archives, making it possible to access 12,000 still images, comparing advertising across decades or international boundaries.