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Children’s time (1950-1960)
A fairy tale palace
The Salon de l'enfance (Childhood show) opened for the first time under the glass roof in 1950, a few weeks before Christmas. For ten years, the show was staged in the Nave and became an event that legends are made of. It transformed the Grand Palais into a fairy tale palace and nourished the dreams of children… and their parents!
In the aftermath of war, it was time to look on the bright side of life. The birth rate rose and with it consumerism. The Houseware show decided to launch a new event devoted to childhood and timed to coincide with the pre-Chistmas period of 1950.
A wonderland came to life in the Nave, everything being designed for the pleasure of children. Remote-controlled ferryboats, slides, roundabouts, illustrated books, live animals, imaginary characters: one day was scarcely enough to see the many wonders that were on show. The fairy tale returned to the Grand Palais every year till 1960.
A wonderland came to life in the Nave, everything being designed for the pleasure of children. Remote-controlled ferryboats, slides, roundabouts, illustrated books, live animals, imaginary characters: one day was scarcely enough to see the many wonders that were on show. The fairy tale returned to the Grand Palais every year till 1960.
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Video
Children's time at the Grand Palais, November 11 1954 (Les Actualités Françaises) © INA
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