Sèvres, a Rothschild Passion: An Immersive Porcelain Exhibition at the National Furniture Museum

The Rothschild family, renowned especially for its revered collection passed down through generations, is the central theme of the upcoming exhibition at the Mobilier National, running from April 17 to July 26, 2026. Their passion for 18th-century Sèvres porcelain and its manufacture played a key role in preserving these treasures, some of which eventually found their way into public collections, generously donated by the family.

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From Frankfurt, Vienna, Naples, London, or Paris, the Rothschild family owned some of the most exquisite objects crafted in the 18th century: ship-shaped vases, elephant and pineapple motifs, towers adorned with goat, lion, nymph, or child figures, showcased within reconstructed interiors in this immersive exhibition. Visitors also encounter rare archival documents, offering new insights into this opulent era.

Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, one of the most passionate collectors of Sèvres porcelain in the family, bequeathed her Mediterranean seaside villa and its extraordinary collection to the Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1934. She is the guiding figure throughout the exhibit, leading visitors on a journey across Europe through objects that bear witness to history. The display features ten family members, each represented by a vase, illustrating the intricate links and transmission of heritage within the family.

Vintage display cases recreate the atmosphere of an 1870s auction house, where visitors can learn how collectors acquire their treasures and gain insight into the art market. Afterward, guests can explore one of the salons at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. The journey continues at the heart of the Manufacture, within the square salon of the Mobilier National, observing the intricate steps involved in crafting Sèvres masterworks—from initial sketches to plaster models.

While visitors may find it easier to recognize the family’s donations, they will also gain a clearer understanding of the spoliation endured within their “Rothschild palaces” in France, Germany, and Austria—many of which were stripped of their possessions during World War II. The exhibit brings this history to life through moving testimonials, from tobacco boxes to writing desks.