Luxes, the exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs - Extensions

More than 150 years after its creation by representatives of the art industries of the time, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs dares to unveil its definition of luxury, or rather luxuries, in an eagerly awaited exhibition, to be (re)seen from May 19 to July 18, 2021.

"Without limiting itself to the idea of luxury à la française", the Luxes exhibition questions the subject from an anthropological and cultural point of view, going so far as to present decks of cards of extreme refinement, the Abu Dhabi Pearl, the oldest in the world, "fragile testimony to the first settlements", an Egyptian blush spoon, as well as scientific instruments and rare manuscripts dating back to Antiquity, alongside dresses by Dior or Chanel. Over 100 pieces are on display to illustrate what was considered luxury at different periods in our history.

In addition to this history lesson, Arts Déco also aims to shed light on the reinvention of luxury in our contemporary societies: after a great period of consumerism and ostentation with objects standardized the world over, environmental awareness and sentiment are back in the game, making simple objects handed down from generation to generation precious luxury items that compete with the finest creations.

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In the 18th century, weren't merchant-merchants - "merchants of everything, makers of nothing" - already talented scouts for chinoiseries and other unique objects ? The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is perhaps offering us an ode to savoir-faire and savoir-être this autumn.

The exhibition takes place in the Salon 1900, a "living memory of the Paris Universal Exhibition" commissioned by the museum to celebrate Art Nouveau and the French decorative arts, and the Salon des Boiseries, featuring other masterpieces, including an incredible chandelier by Venini exhibited in Paris in 1925.