In 1989, Andrée Putman transformed the heart of the department store Le Bon Marché by designing the central escalator — a subtle yet powerful architectural intervention. Placed at the center of the store, the escalator became a structuring element: a vertical link between floors, opening new perspectives within a classical space. The escalator, understated yet determined, engages in dialogue with the store’s historic volumes: glass roofs, moldings, and generous retail areas. The contrast between the historic architecture and this contemporary gesture creates a dynamic balance, guiding the eye to move fluidly through the space. With this project, Putman demonstrated her ability to integrate modern elements into a heritage setting. The Bon Marché escalator is more than a functional device: it becomes a visual focal point, a discreet signature that unites tradition, elegance, and innovation.