1925–2025: Art Deco, a century of elegance celebrated at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs
One hundred years after the 1925 International Exhibition, which established Art Deco as a major style of modernity, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs is dedicating an ambitious retrospective to this artistic movement.
Entitled ‘1925–2025. A Century of Art Deco’, the exhibition runs from 22 October 2025 to 26 April 2026 and offers an immersive journey into the refined, geometric and daring world of Art Deco.
1925–2025: Art Deco, a century of elegance celebrated at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs
The exhibition brings together nearly 1,000 works, including furniture, jewellery, objets d’art, posters and fashion items, in an immersive setting designed by Atelier Jodar and Studio MDA.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a restored Orient Express carriage, emblematic of the luxury and innovation of the 1920s, accompanied by life-size models of the train of the future, designed by architect Maxime d’Angeac.
Photo credits: Photographer – Albin Salaün (1876-1951), La Maîtrise Pavilion of Galeries Lafayette at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, Paris, 1925 – Gelatin silver print © Les Arts Décoratifs
A style born of modernity
Art Deco, which emerged in the wake of Art Nouveau, established itself in the 1920s with its structured aesthetics, clean lines and precious materials. It embodies an era marked by speed, freedom and a thirst for novelty. The exhibition explores the many facets of the style, from geometric abstraction to a taste for decoration and formal purity.
Three iconic figures
Three major designers are honoured: Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann, master of refined furniture; Eileen Gray, pioneer of modern design; and Jean-Michel Frank, advocate of luxurious simplicity. The museum is exhibiting iconic pieces such as André Groult’s shagreen chiffonier and Pierre Chareau’s desk-library, designed for the French Embassy.
A living heritage
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs, a historic player in the recognition of style, continues its commitment with this exhibition that brings together perspectives from yesterday and today. Art Deco appears here as an ever-fertile source of creation, inspiring contemporary designers with its unique combination of craftsmanship and modernity.
