The free exhibition "Bijoux de scène de la Comédie Française" extended at Hôtel Mercy-Argenteau

The Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau, a magnificent 18th-century town house on the Grands Boulevards in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, opens its doors to visitors for the first time. Listed as a Monument Historique, this architectural gem has been given a facelift to house the École des Arts Joailliers, a school founded with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels. From June 13 to October 13, 2024, the first free exhibition of the Comédie-Française's "Stage Jewels" is on show. We take you on a journey of discovery. Don't forget to book your free tickets!

Located at 16 bis boulevard Montmartre, the Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau offers a prestigious new setting for L'École des Arts Joailliers. What could be more beautiful than this listed hotel to host the school's free exhibitions? Just a few clicks away from buying our tickets online, and we're off to discover this hidden treasure, which is unveiling itself to us free of charge , on the occasion of its first exhibition on Stage Jewels at the Comédie Française, from June 13 to October 13, 2024.

Founded over ten years ago with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels, this cultural institution is dedicated to promoting jewelry culture throughout the world. In addition to its two sites in Paris, the school organizes nomadic sessions in New York and Tokyo, and has permanent campuses in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Dubai.

The exhibition in video :

When you arrive, the staircase alone leading up to the exhibition rooms is a sight to behold. The interior design of theHôtel de Mercy-Argenteau was entrusted to the talented designer and interior architect Constance Guisset. She was given the task of creating a harmonious space that would showcase the exhibits without overshadowing the historic setting. She designed freestanding picture rails for the party room, created an imposing chandelier for the staircase and integrated elements inspired by cabinets of curiosities into the future bookshop. The result is a beautiful marriage of the ancient and the modern.

The Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau, with its rich history and neoclassical architecture, is the ideal setting for this unique exhibition. Its discreet façade conceals a sumptuous interior, testimony to the splendor of the Ancien Régime. The reception rooms, adorned with gilded wood panelling and Corinthian porticos, are listed historic monuments. Admire these architectural treasures while discovering the exceptional jewels of the Comédie-Française.

In addition to a beautiful exhibition space showcasing exceptional jewels, you can discover rooms reserved for courses and conferences, as well as two areas entirely dedicated to books: a spacious library and a unique bookshop, L'Escarboucle.

We now move on to the highlight of the show: the first temporary exhibition offered by L'École des Arts Joailliers, devoted to"Stage Jewels at the Comédie-Française". This unique exhibition brings together over 120 accessories, works of art and documents from the collections of this famous theater. The jewelry worn by actors and actresses at the Comédie-Française has always played an essential role in the staging of plays, and this exhibition offers a fascinating insight into the history of these stage ornaments.

Discover Talma's gilded laurel wreath given by Napoleon, Rachel's jeweled tiaras, the tunic worn by Mounet-Sully in Racine's Athalie, and Sarah Bernhardt's brooch designed by René Lalique...

The tour takes visitors through three adjoining rooms, like a backstage tour of a theater. The first acts highlight early stage jewelry, often from the actors' and actresses' own collections. Next, we plunge onto the stage, where costumes and jewels come to life in all their splendor. Finally, the last part of the exhibition honors the great figures of the Belle Époque, such as Sarah Bernhardt, Édouard de Max and Mlle Bartet, through monumental photographs.

The École des Arts Joailliers, in collaboration with the Comédie-Française, is offering a cultural experience to make your eyes shine, all in a place steeped in history. This free exhibition will be the first in a long series, allowing you to immerse yourself in the history of jewelry and marvel at the beauty and elegance of unique jewels, while masterclasses offer small groups the chance to explore the fascinating world of jewelry in magnificent salons.

How to book and at what times?

Don't delay in booking from June 13 to October 13, 2024. Our little nose tells us that the slots are likely to fill up very quickly. Especially as this exhibition is free. It is open to the public by reservation only. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 7pm, with late-night opening on Thursdays until 9pm.

A unique and exceptional exhibition in a historic setting.