On Friday February 13th, 2009, Francis Kurkdjian was recognized for his contribution to the world of arts and enrichment of the French cultural inheritance, when he received the silver medallion and green and white striped ribbon that denotes the order of the Chevalier.

Francis Kurkdjian, just thirty nine  years old, was named a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Minister of Culture, Christine Albanel, and on the 13th he received his medallion and ribbon from Mme Albanel herself in a ceremony in Paris.

Francis Kurkdjian is famous as the perfumer who, in 2005, created a modern interpretation of the favourite fragrance of Marie Antoinette, "MA Sillage de la Reine".  Limited editions of this fragrance are sold in the Chateau de Versailles and profits are used to fund acquisitions for the museum there.

Francis Kurkdjian has also created exquisite and innovative fragrance installations for the Chateau de Versailles.  In the summer of 2007 and 2008 for the "Grandes Eaux Nocturnes", night time events involving art, music, fountains and fireworks, and in the fall of 2006 for the "Versailles Off" festival.

In 2008 one of his visual and olfactory installations was housed in the French Embassy's New York cultural headquarters on Fifth Avenue.  For a party there to celebrate the  "Fete de la Musique" he created perfumed bubbles that floated in the air over fragranced candles.