What: La Samaritaine department store is hosting exhibitions and cultural events to celebrate sports as part of its partnership with the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.

Why it is important: As Paris gears up for the 2024 Olympics, La Samaritaine’s initiative highlights the intersection of sports, culture, and history, enriching the visitor experience and deepening the cultural significance of sports.

In preparation for the 2024 Olympics, La Samaritaine is transforming into a cultural hub from April 30 to September 8, utilizing its space to exhibit various aspects of sports as cultural phenomena. The exhibitions include:

1. World Sports Legends - This flagship exhibition from Terence Darrigade’s private collection features significant sports memorabilia, including a basketball jersey worn by LeBron James and the 2018 World Cup trophy won by France.
2. Domestic Games, Women put to the test by Camille Menard - This exhibition by Parisian artist Camille Menard explores the relationship between sports and everyday life, particularly focusing on the role of women in competitive sports.
3. Fisheye x Enzo Lefort - A photographic exhibition by the magazine Fisheye, showcasing moments from foil fencer Enzo Lefort’s preparation for the Olympics, highlighting the personal and professional aspects of being a top athlete.
4. Sport and La Samaritaine - An homage to the department store’s founders and their contribution to employee well-being through sports, featuring historical images and artifacts from the Samaritaine Sports Union.

These varied programs not only celebrate sports through a cultural lens but also enhance the visibility and legacy of La Samaritaine as a pivotal player in the cultural scene during one of the world's most watched global events.

For the 2024 Olympics, the Samaritaine is banking on culture