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ParisMay 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —
1816: The Académie des Beaux-Arts, one of the five academies of the Institut de France (2026), was founded: Guy Savoy becomes a member under the dome of the Palais de l’Institut de France.
More than two centuries after the founding of the Académie des Beaux-Arts, it welcomes renowned chef Guy Savoy, formally recognizing gastronomy as an art form.
World-renowned chef Guy Savoy runs the eponymous restaurant at the Monnaie de Paris, ranked “Best Restaurant in the World” by La Liste. Permanent Secretary Laurent Petitgirard celebrated his election: “With the election of Guy Savoy, the Academy recognizes not only one of the most outstanding representatives of French gastronomy, but also a humanist and lover of contemporary art who has contributed to our country’s international reputation, dedicated to inscribing the ‘repas gastronomique des Français’ on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.”
On Wednesday, May 20, Guy Savoy responded in kind, addressing all assembled members: “Thank you for serving French cuisine and deeming it fully worthy of entering your Academy.
Thus, I am a craftsman, perhaps even an elected artist, bringing with me all the craftsmen and women dedicated to promoting gastronomy, the French countryside, the art of the table, sommeliers, courtesy, the art of entertainment—in short, the French art of living.”
Gastronomy joins disciplines such as painting, sculpture, architecture, engraving and drawing, musical composition, stage direction, photography, and choreography through its inclusion in the “Free Members Section” of the Académie des Beaux-Arts.
In this section, Guy Savoy was elected to Chair V, previously held by Michel David-Weill, a leading figure in investment banking, but also a world-renowned collector, patron of the world’s greatest museums, and a philanthropist of legendary generosity.
Guy Savoy wore the traditional “Habit Vert,” and his academician’s sword was presented by fellow member Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière.
Watch the video: YouTube video link
English excerpts of speeches by Guy Savoy and Laurent Petitgirard
Photos from the Académie
Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8OqeaI8l74
Guy Savoy is elected to the Academy of Fine Arts