Salon 11 - L’AiR Arts

Multisensory dining experience bringing the artistic and bohemian spirit of 1920s Montparnasse to life through food, art, and conversation.

December 2024

Immersive Experience Design, Food Design and Curation, Historical and Cultural Storytelling

An Immersive Journey to 1920s Montparnasse

Salon 11 is a project we created at L’AiR Arts, a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to support intercultural exchange through international arts residency programs — blending history, art, and cuisine into an immersive dining experience. Designed to evoke the bohemian spirit of 1920s Paris, Salon 11 transported guests to the vibrant artistic community of Montparnasse, home to legendary figures like Modigliani, Soutine, and Foujita.

The project was created at Parsons Paris for my Collab class, with fellow classmates: Murad Aliyev, Corin Linna-Hipp, Alessia Nastase, Rita Saliba & Adamantia Selekou.

The Concept

At its heart, Salon 11 is an homage to the intimate Parisian salons that once sparked creativity and dialogue among artists and thinkers. Each element was meticulously curated to reflect the era's artistic and cultural essence. From thematic conversation cards inspired by historical figures to a multi-course menu rooted in the culinary fusion of the time, Salon 11 fostered meaningful connections through storytelling, taste, and ambiance.

Dining as an Experience

The dinner featured 11 courses, each paired with a unique historical figure and designed to reflect the diversity and creativity of the 1920s Montparnasse artistic scene.

The menu was crafted to combine historical authenticity with contemporary presentation, highlighting the cultural influences that shaped this legendary artistic enclave.

VIEW MENU

Immersion Through Detail

Salon 11 was more than a meal—it was a journey. The setting featured vintage tablecloths, antique-style tableware, muted floral centerpieces, and art-inspired decor such as easels and artist tools. Guests engaged with custom-designed conversation prompts that sparked discussions on art, culture, and creativity, creating an atmosphere of shared discovery.

The evening unfolded to the sounds of 1920s-inspired music, completing the sensory immersion.

Behind the Scenes

VIEW BOOKLET

Bringing Salon 11 to life involved extensive research and thoughtful design:

Historical Inspiration: We delved into the lives and works of key Montparnasse figures to craft menus and prompts that honored their legacy.
Cultural Fusion: The dining experience reflected the international community of artists who gathered in Montparnasse, blending culinary traditions into each course.
User Testing: A trial run on December 5th allowed us to fine-tune the menu, pacing, and engagement elements to ensure an unforgettable experience.

Impact

Salon 11 not only celebrated the past but also contributed to the future of arts and culture at L’AiR Arts. Proceeds are imagined to support the restoration of Atelier 11, a historical artist studio, and furthered contemporary cultural exchange programs.

This project was a labor of love, a deep dive into the intersection of history, art, and gastronomy. Salon 11 invited guests to step into a world where creativity thrived — and perhaps leave inspired to create their own.

AXELLE KURBAN