The first floor was dedicated to the scenic beauties of France and had a Bureau of Information for tourists interested in France. A diorama showed the charms of the country's provinces, accentuated by four interiors of homes from Alsace, Provence, Brittany and Savoie. The mezzanine was devoted to Arts and Industries. The Fine Arts exhibit included works of sculpture, painting, tapestries and applied arts. The remainder of the floor housed a display of Parisian specialties - lingerie, gowns, hats, perfumes and similar articles.
from the Susan S. Waite collection
The second floor was divided into three sections. There was "French Thought," which included displays representing the country's literature, philosophy, education and music. The second section, "Five Centuries of French History Illustrated by Five Centuries of French Art," contained an exhibition of classical and modern furniture. Last was the "Centre de Dégustation" where wines and food delicacies could be sampled. The French restaurant introduced the traditional "Chef System" to the United States under Chefs Henry Soule and Pierre Franey.
Photo by Underwood & Underwood
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