The exhibition "1925-2025: A Century of Art Deco" marks the centenary of this iconic style at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris's1st arrondissement . From October 22, 2025, to April 26, 2026, this major retrospective brings together nearly 1,000 works from the museum's collections and exceptional loans, providing an understanding of the evolution and lasting influence of a movement that profoundly marked the 20th century.
A century after the famous 1925 Exposition des Arts Décoratifs, we discovered this exhibition, which is spread over three floors of the museum, from the second to the third floor, before descending into the nave to admire the highlight of the show. The exhibition offers both a chronological and thematic interpretation of this major artistic movement, with spectacular scenography designed byAtelier Jodar and Studio Maxime d'Angeac.
The tour begins on the second floor, where the Museum of Decorative Arts has drawn on its remarkable collections to present the movement's most iconic pieces. From the very first rooms, we were able to admire major works such as André Groult's chiffonnier in shagreen, recognizable by its sophisticated treatment of shark skin. The refined creations of Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann, considered one of the greatest cabinetmakers of the time, occupy a prominent place in the exhibition.
Pierre Chareau's spectacular office-library, designed for the French Embassy during the 1925 Exhibition and reinstalled for the occasion, testifies to the decorative ambition of this period. The exhibition highlights three leading designers: Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, and Jean-Michel Frank. Each embodies a unique facet ofArt Deco, from the most sumptuous luxury to elegant minimalism.
The exhibition brings together sculptural furniture, precious jewelry, objets d'art, preparatory drawings, advertising posters, and fashion pieces. This variety illustrates howArt Deco influenced all areas of creation: architecture, interior design, jewelry, couture, and graphic arts. The exhibition benefits from exceptional loans, including a collection of more than 80 pieces from Cartier, a partner of the event. Necklaces, tiaras, boxes, watches, accessories, drawings, and archival documents are on display, some for the first time, in dialogue with the museum's collections.
On the third floor, the exhibition takes to the skies with a section devoted to aviation, an emblematic theme ofArt Deco thatembodied the era's fascination with speed and technical progress. This part of the exhibition explores how the movement celebrated modernity in all its forms, from aeronautics to scientific discoveries.
Art Deco embodied a thirst for novelty characteristic of the Roaring Twenties. The movement celebrated technical progress, archaeological discoveries (particularly Egyptian ones after the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb), and Eastern and African influences. This openness to the world is reflected in the motifs, materials, and forms that made up the visual vocabulary of the time.
This section also helps visitors understand the contradictions of the movement. Born in the effervescence of the 1920s,Art Deco was resolutely modern with its clean geometric shapes and stylized lines, breaking with the organic curves of the Art Nouveau movement that preceded it. However, this modernity was often accompanied by a certain exclusivity. The preciousness of the materials used (shagreen, ivory, exotic woods, lacquers) and the complexity of the techniques employed meant that these creations were reserved for the wealthy social classes.
After exploring the two upper floors, visitors descend to the museum's nave to discover the most spectacular part of the exhibition.The Orient Express literally takes over the space with an impressive display that is the highlight of the visit.
An authentic cabin from the old Étoile du Nord train dating from 1926 is displayed alongside three life-size models of the future train designed by architect Maxime d'Angeac. This juxtaposition of historical heritage and contemporary design perfectly illustrates the continuity of the Art Deco spirit throughout the century. The spectacular scale of this installation creates a striking effect that leaves a lasting impression.
The legendary train enjoyed its golden age in the 1920s, when it was decorated by great artists such as René Prou and René Lalique. It became a veritable rolling manifesto of Art Deco aesthetics, a symbol of refined travel and French savoir-faire. Parisian architect Maxime d'Angeac worked for two years with the greatest French craftsmen to reinvent this symbol of luxury travel.
The future Orient Express, which will resume service in 2025, continues the legacy of the designers who contributed to the golden age of rail travel in the 1920s. The project combines exquisite craftsmanship, technological innovations, and contemporary design to create the train of the 21st century. This exhibition demonstrates thatArt Deco remains a source of inspiration for contemporary design, proving that in 2025, as in 1925, this style inspires a forward-looking luxury.
The institution played a central role in the recognition ofArt Deco from its inception. The Musée des Arts Décoratifs hosted the salons of the Société des Artistes Décorateurs from the 1920s onwards and built up an exceptionally rich collection. This proximity to the creators of the time explains the quality and diversity of the works preserved today.
In the 1960s, the museum was also a pioneer in rediscovering the movement with the exhibition "Les Années 25," which helped to rehabilitate a style that had fallen out of favor. This new exhibition continues this tradition of promoting and passing on knowledge, while updating the way these creations are viewed.
The museum has given carte blanche to interior designer Jacques Grange, a major figure in contemporary design. This intervention allows historical creations to be juxtaposed with a contemporary reinterpretation of Art Deco codes. Grange, who has collaborated with Yves Saint Laurent, a great admirer of this movement, offers a personal interpretation that demonstrates the enduring vitality of this aesthetic.
This contemporary approach echoes other sections of the exhibition that explore the influence ofArt Deco on 20th- and 21st-century designers. The movement never really disappeared, continuing to inspire architects, designers, and decorators throughout the decades.
The exhibition "1925-2025: A Century of Art Deco" is being held at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, located at 107 Rue de Rivoli in Paris's 1st arrondissement, close to the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden. The museum is accessible via the Palais-Royal, Pyramides, or Tuileries metro stations, as well as several bus lines (21, 27, 39, 68, 69, 72, 95).
The exhibition is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with late night hours on Thursdays until 9 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays, as well as January 1, May 1, and December 25. It is advisable to allow about two hours to fully enjoy the entire tour spread over the three levels and the nave, taking the time to admire the details of the pieces on display.
The admission price is $15 for full price and $10 for reduced price. Admission is free for those under 26, a measure that allows young audiences to discover this exceptional heritage. Tickets are available for reservation on the museum's official website, which avoids waiting at the ticket office.
This unmissable exhibition is a major event in the Parisian cultural season, allowing you to understand the historical importance and lasting influence of a movement that profoundly marked the decorative arts of the 20th century. The carefully orchestrated tour route from the second floor to the nave allows you to gradually immerse yourself in the world of the Roaring Twenties before discovering the spectacular reconstruction ofthe Orient Express, which leaves a lasting impression.
This exhibition is aimed at a wide audience, fromArt Deco enthusiasts to those who are simply curious to discover this iconic movement. Lovers of art history, design, and architecture will find a wealth of documentation and exceptional pieces that are rarely exhibited. The immersive scenography and spectacular reconstruction ofthe Orient Express will also appeal to visitors seeking striking visual experiences.
Families are welcome, and free admission for those under 26 makes it accessible to curious young people. Although dense, the exhibition remains accessible and allows visitors to gradually understand the evolution of the movement without requiring in-depth prior knowledge. Professionals in design, decoration, and fashion will find sources of inspiration and discover craft techniques that continue to influence contemporary creation.
However, this exhibition requires time and a certain amount of availability to fully appreciate its richness. With nearly 1,000 works spread over three floors, it takes at least two hours to visit. People with reduced mobility can access the different floors using the museum's elevators. This exhibition is a complete cultural outing, ideal for understanding the historical importance of this movement.
Dates and Opening Time
From October 22, 2025 to April 26, 2026
Location
Museum of Decorative Arts
107 Rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris 1
Prices
Moins de 26 ans: Free
Tarif réduit: €10
Entrée: €15
Recommended age
For all
Official website
madparis.fr
Booking
madparis.fr
More information
Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm, Thursday night until 9 pm
