Louis Vuitton don’t do things by halves – the house’s aptitude for innovative design is never faltering. The latest manifestation of this arrives in the form of the new Frank Gehry-designed Fondation Louis Vuitton just outside of Paris, a staggered avalanche of glass sails curved and twisted to form an eye-catching exterior to what is positioned as a major new contemporary arts hub for the city. 

Situated in Paris’ Bois de Boulogne, the building will act as a multi-purpose creative space, housing an impressive permanent collection made up of works belonging to the Fondation and the Arnault collection. And though it begins as a privately owned institution, the grand plan is for it to be donated to the city of Paris in 50 years time. Now that’s philanthropy. 

Open to the public for the first time this coming Monday, 27th October, Louis Vuitton are marking the occasion by offering free entry to three inaugural weekend open days. And the Parisian brand has lined up a killer roster of events to be held at the new venue over the next year unfolding in three successive stages between October 2014 and July 2015.

The first stage, ‘Voyage of Creation’ invites you to discover the architecture of the building with an exhibition on the work of Frank Gehry, a presentation of emblematic works from the permanent collection and a group of special commissions related to the building’s architecture, including a work by Olafur Eliasson. 

And for all you music lovers the Fondation also houses a state of the art auditorium which will host a series of eight retrospective 3D performances by German electronic pioneers Kraftwerk, from November 6th to 14th, as well as a special recital by the pianist Lang Lang on 8th November, for those more acoustically inclined. Check the schedule and book your tickets early.

Fondation Louis Vuitton is open with free entry to the public on Friday 24th (10am-6pm), Saturday 25th (10am-2am) and Sunday 26th October, prior to the official opening on Monday, 27th. For further information on the inaugural schedule and tickets, visit the website.