Baccarat Rouge 540 - Origins of an icon

Certain creations define an era. Others transcend it to become icons. In 2014, to mark the 250th anniversary of Maison Baccarat, Francis Kurkdjian created an eau de parfum designed to celebrate the heritage of the prestigious French crystal maker. This encounter between two exceptional Maisons gave birth to a fragrance inspired by one of Baccarat's best-kept secrets: the gold-red technique. Mixed with 24-karat gold powder, then gradually heated to 540° Celsius, transparent crystal reveals a red of incomparable intensity. From this metamorphosis comes a name that feels entirely natural: Baccarat Rouge 540.

Originally presented in a limited edition of 250 numbered flacons, this creation immediately sparked fascination and desire. In 2016, it joined the permanent collection of Maison Francis Kurkdjian and quickly established itself as one of the most iconic olfactory signatures of its time. Baccarat Rouge 540 has become a global reference, without ever losing its singular character.

Its construction rests on a balance of absolute precision, designed around three "breaths." The mineral breath evokes the transparency of crystal through the amber and woody facets of Ambroxan™. The breath of fire echoes the melting of crystal, thanks to the saffron and gourmand accents of the composition. Finally, the breath of air celebrates the artisan’s gesture, carried by the luminous notes of hedione with its jasmine nuances. Rediscover the story of this emblematic creation that redefined contemporary perfumery at the new exhibition Baccarat Rouge 540, genèse d’une icône at the Maison's Parisian boutique, located at 5 rue d’Alger.

Discover the exhibition Baccarat Rouge 540 Genèse d’une icône at the Maison's historic boutique, at 5 rue d’Alger, Paris 1st.

Exhibition open continuously, free admission without reservation.

Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

ICON(S) Maison Francis Kurkdjian

ICON(S) is a documentary produced by Terminal 9 Studios, dedicated to the greatest Maisons whose creations have become cultural references. Each episode focuses on an icon and explores the origins and heritage of an emblematic creation, its global impact and resonance across generations and cultural differences. ICON(S) explores how these icons have shaped our cultural heritage and sometimes redefined established rules.

ICON(S): Maison Francis Kurkdjian explores the founding history of Baccarat Rouge 540 and the birth of an immersive, multisensory installation, L’alchimie des sens, unveiled for the first time in November 2025 at the Palais de Tokyo. Discover the behind-the-scenes creation of this exceptional work of art, which seals the meeting of friends of the Maison whose art and craftsmanship echo Francis Kurkdjian’s fragrance creation. Inspired by Baccarat Rouge 540 Édition Millésime, composer David Chalmin, pianists Katia and Marielle Labèque, Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic, kinetic sculptor Elias Crespin, and director Cyril Teste worked for months alongside Perfumer and Artistic Director Francis Kurkdjian to bring this immersive, multisensory installation to life.

5 rue d'Alger, Paris 1st

From September 2 to 27

Every Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Every Thursday at 6 p.m.

Every Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

Every Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Number of seats per session: 2 (free admission upon reservation, limited availability)

Duration: 1h30

Watch the documentary on Prime Video and on Air France flights.