The new wing in the Louvre museum, devoted to the masterpieces of Islamic art, uses display cases from Goppion. Designed by architect, Mario Bellini, the museum is conceptualized as a hidden treasure chest within a glass pyramid. The gallery is housed two floors below the Cour Visconti, near the Seine. The construction included digging 12 meters into the ground and is covered by the floting glass veil.
Exhibition Design
The exhibition space is dispersed over 2 floors, creating a continuous flow between them. Headed by Jean Nouvel, the exhibition design consists of a dark interior, juxtaposed with Goppion's light and airy display cases, drawing focus to the pieces on display.
Display Case Features
The choice to use Goppion display cases was made since they offer strength, security and advanced technologies. The cases consist of a low base with a large glass enclosure; maximum transparency is obtained by empoying large glass panes. The diagonally divided sliding translation display cases have opening joints along the top edge only, above eye level. The cases appear to be floating, with an anchor system placed between the floating floor and the building's floor.
| Advanced technologies | The base contains technology that controls the microclimate and humidity, as well as providing security. |
| Security | The cases require specific equipment to access the case, even if the lock is destroyed. |
| Ease of use | The entire glass bonnet can easily be lifted due to the hydraulic pantograph mechanism. |
They are designed for the museum curator to easily enter and rearrange objects. The cases are easily operated through the design of the horizontal sliding mechanism, that allows displays to completely open either orthogonally at the center, or diagonally across the top. The interior display deck is designed with a sliding mechanism that moves left and right when the case is open, allowing for easy cleaning and different arrangements. The interior display fittings are made from Silbonit coated metal pedastals and panels.
