Hidden behind an imposing construction scaffold, the Galerie Orsay’s vintage poster shop is trying to maintain its visibility. Faced with construction work that obscures its storefront, manager Frédéric Lozada has reached a compromise with the workers. Surprised by the number of passersby stopping to photograph the window display, the workers agreed to the installation of a large banner on the metal framework to indicate that the store remains open for business.
A collection ranging from cinema to Parisian history
Inside, the large drawers and vertical storage units are brimming with thousands of vintage documents. The gallery’s collection spans a wide range of subjects, all meticulously organized. It includes alcohol advertisements, illustrations of bicycle races, sporting events, and movie posters—notably giant-sized ones dedicated to Clint Eastwood films or King Kong. The collection also includes classic comic strips such as *Tintin* and *Babar*, as well as posters from past editions of the Roland Garros tournament.
The manager also preserves items closely tied to the capital’s architectural history. For example, he displays a detailed view of the 1889 World’s Fair, marking the creation of the Eiffel Tower, as well as a print depicting the moving sidewalk and the electrified railway, the predecessor of the Paris Metro.
Three criteria to guide customers
To help visitors navigate the massive volume of the collections, Frédéric Lozada has established a selection process. Upon entry, he systematically asks customers about three specific points: their preferred themes, the desired dimensions for the poster, and their budget. Prices in the shop range from 20 euros for the most affordable items to several thousand euros for rare or highly sought-after works.
Despite the visual disruptions and the clutter on the sidewalk caused by the exterior construction, the shop continues to operate daily. The manager keeps unfolding his posters for enthusiasts of vintage formats, while waiting for the metal structure to be finally dismantled.