Established in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot, the Veuve Clicquot Champagne house is, unquestionably, one of the great names in champagne today. In honour of its 250th anniversary, the House has created Solaire Culture — a travelling exhibition that sheds light on the long legacy of the brand.
Currently located at Piccadilly Circus in London, the exhibition opens for its visitors to have a complete understanding of the significant heritage of Veuve Clicquot through more than 2,000 archival objects that can be seen for the first time in the UK.
Solaire Culture marks the Champagne house's first global traveling exhibition
In addition to these observed archives, including letters signed by Madame Clicquot herself, guests will be able to appreciate historical gems such as a reinterpreted portrait of “Grande Dame of Champagne” by artist Yayoi Kusama, an original bottle of Veuve Clicquot from the 1840s that was recovered from a shipwreck in the Baltic Sea, and various valuable documents.
Following this, visitors explore the evolution of Veuve Clicquot through a beautiful experiential display of its most iconic and innovative label designs. Here you can find a champagne bucket inspired by a TV set from the 1960s, Veuve Clicquot Kitsune Champaign Fox display stand and other fun accessories.
After browsing the historical and marketing display, exhibition visitors will discover Veueve Clicquot’s vineyards and Crayères chalk cellars through film, showcasing its winemaking craft and style.
To finish, there is a library where literary extracts are played as well as music playlists that visitors are encouraged to dance to. Veuve Clicquot’s flagship yellow label Champagnes will also be on sale by the glass alongside the Solaire Boutique which sells souvenirs to commemorate the exhibition.
For instance, a retro-style tape gift boxes, personalisable City Arrow box and a mini 1950s-style Smeg fridge gift box which will keep champagne cold for up to two hours.
Visitors are then encouraged to head to Sunny Side Up Café to enjoy a menu made in partnership with a British chef, television and radio broadcaster, Andi Oliver and Veuve Clicquot.
Solaire Culture is on view at Piccadilly Circus until 6 June 2023. Book your free ticket here.
And be sure to check out the website where you can play some fun mini games!
