What: Le Bon Marché will host Chinese artist Song Dong for an interactive exhibition that invites customers to contribute personal objects, transforming the department store into a participatory art space.

Why it is important: The exhibition demonstrates how department stores are evolving into cultural destinations, enhancing brand differentiation in the luxury sector. By inviting customer participation, Le Bon Marché leverages community-driven storytelling to deepen emotional connections.

Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche is set to collaborate with Chinese conceptual artist Song Dong for its next major exhibition, “Objets divers et variés,” opening in January. Known for installations that explore memory, consumption, and everyday life, Song Dong will curate personal objects submitted by customers and staff, turning the department store into an immersive, participatory art space. This initiative not only highlights the store’s commitment to cultural innovation but also invites the public to share their own narratives, reinforcing a sense of community and belonging. The exhibition will feature large-scale installations beneath the store’s iconic glass roofs and an immersive piece on the second floor, running through late February. By blending art and retail, Le Bon Marché continues to position itself at the forefront of experiential luxury, fostering deeper customer engagement and setting new standards for department store experiences.

IADS Notes: Le Bon Marché’s collaboration with Song Dong aligns with recent trends observed in department stores worldwide, such as Galleria’s Art Week in Seoul and Bloomingdale’s artist-led transformation in September 2025, which have redefined these spaces as cultural destinations. The participatory aspect mirrors community-driven initiatives seen at the World Retail Congress in May 2025 and Breuninger’s creative campaigns, while Forbes and WWD reports from 2024 and 2025 highlight how such strategies enhance brand differentiation and customer loyalty through immersive, art-driven experiences.

Chinese artist Song Dong will be Le Bon Marché’s next exhibition