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Dreaming of Antiquity. An odyssey of décor since 1850

Photo : Les Arts Décoratifs

Mar 23 – Aug 22

Dreaming of Antiquity. An odyssey of décor since 1850

From March 24 to August 22, 2027, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs presents the first exhibition dedicated to the influence of Antiquity on decorative arts, fashion, and design from the 1850s to the present day.

Musée des Arts décoratifs (Paris 1st)

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About

Rediscovered during the Renaissance and reinvested at the end of the 18th century by neoclassicism, Antiquity stands as an endlessly renewed heritage that inspires artists and fashion designers in search of modernity.

From the Pompeian House built in 1856-1858 in the heart of Paris, on Avenue Montaigne, for Prince Jérôme Napoléon, to Karl Lagerfeld’s “Cruise” collection show at the Grand Palais in 2017, the exhibition will bring to life across 600 m2, through more than 300 objects, the great moments of this reinvestment of Antiquity in the art of living in France, covering all fields of decorative arts: furniture, ceramics, glass, goldsmithing, wallpaper, tapestry, textiles, fashion, and jewelry. “Dreaming of Antiquity. An odyssey of décor since 1850” will thus lead the visitor into the Villa Kérylos, a neo-Greek residence from the early 20th century, allow them to encounter the greatest Art Deco designers, and reach the most contemporary designers who reinterpret these ancestral models. The exhibition will also unveil the profound influence of Antiquity on fashion designers, from Fortuny to Madame Grès, from Lanvin to Dolce & Gabbana, who seek to liberate the body through draping. The exhibition will conclude with a space dedicated to popular culture today, imbued with references to Antiquity in the fields of comics and video games.

Our take on this event

Forget everything you thought you knew about antiquity and step into a vibrant dialogue between ancestral art and modern innovation. From the structured silhouettes on fashion runways to the bold aesthetics of gaming culture, this showcase reveals how timeless patterns continue to redefine beauty. It is the perfect escape for anyone curious about how the ghosts of Rome and Greece still haunt our contemporary style.

From March 23 to August 22, 2027, the Musée des Arts décoratifs presents Rêver l’Antiquité. Une odyssée du décor depuis 1850, an exhibition exploring how ancient heritage has shaped French design since the mid-19th century. Spanning 600 m2, the display features over 300 objects, including furniture, fashion, and decorative arts, tracing the artistic evolution from neoclassical inspirations to contemporary pop culture. This exhibition highlights how designers and couturiers have continuously reinterpreted the antique aesthetic. Admission is paid, with prices ranging from 0 to 15 euros, providing access to this immersive journey through art history located in the heart of the 1st arrondissement.

Located at 107 rue de Rivoli, the Musée des Arts décoratifs hosts an extensive exhibition dedicated to the profound influence of antiquity on decorative arts and fashion. This visual journey examines how ancient motifs have been integrated into daily life, from 19th-century interiors to the latest digital media. Across 600 m2, the collection showcases more than 300 items, encompassing ceramics, metalwork, wallpaper, tapestries, and haute couture. You will discover the legacy of the Villa Kérylos, the visionary work of Art Deco masters, and the timeless draping techniques used by iconic designers such as Fortuny and Madame Grès. The exhibition concludes with an exploration of how ancient references persist in modern comics and video games.

The event runs from March 23, 2027, until August 22, 2027. Visiting hours are Saturday from 11:00 to 19:00, and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00. Tickets are priced between 0 and 15 euros.

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