Photo : Musée d’Orsay, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais / Patrice Schmidt
Vuillard. Intimate Theatres
The intimate yet innovative works of the painter Édouard Vuillard (1868-1940), a major figure of the Nabi movement, never cease to seduce and intrigue us. With this first exhibition dedicated to Vuillard in France in almost 25 years, the Musée d'Orsay proposes to explore a novel subject: the artist's fascination with theater, which permeated and stimulated his art for over five decades, from the early 1890s to the late 1930s.
Musée d'Orsay (Paris 7th)
About
Vuillard haunted cabarets and café-concerts as much as he delighted in classical tragedies, when he was not frequenting more alternative stages where, in the 1890s, avant-garde symbolist plays were being performed. A regular spectator at all the theaters, Vuillard was also an "actor" in them, closely associated with these progressive circles. Working behind the scenes, he created programs and stage sets for these shows, and drew from this new dramaturgy the motifs, props, and intense atmosphere of his own paintings: intimate interiors, which he arranged like a scenographer.
Moving with ease in these constantly renewed circles of actors, chroniclers, and playwrights, Vuillard painted, throughout his life, portraits of these strong personalities, including, at the beginning of the 20th century, the figures of the boulevard theater. He also continued to devote himself to an art in which he excelled: that of set design, executing important commissions for the interiors of two major Parisian theaters, on the theme of theater. These murals, both a mise-en-abyme and a synthesis of a constant passion for the stage and spectacle, constitute the highlights of a painter's career constantly irrigated and radically renewed by this other art form.
Our take on this event
Step behind the curtain and witness the electric energy of the 1890s through Vuillard’s sharp, intimate lens. This exhibition beautifully captures the interplay between the stage and the canvas, showcasing how Parisian theater life fueled his most iconic, soulful works. It is the perfect escape for those who appreciate seeing the secret, dramatic pulse of historical high society.
The Musée d'Orsay presents 'Vuillard. Théâtres intimes' from March 25 to July 25, 2027. This exhibition delves into the artist's lifelong fascination with the world of theater, from avant-garde 1890s performances to the popular boulevard stage. Visitors can explore how Vuillard integrated the intensity of the stage into his own painting, working as both an observer and a set designer. The exhibition is ticketed, with reservations becoming available soon. For those planning an evening visit, please note that the museum offers extended opening hours on Thursdays, closing at 21:00.
Visit the Musée d'Orsay in the 7th arrondissement to experience the unique artistic dialogue between Édouard Vuillard and the theatrical world. Running from March 25, 2027, through July 25, 2027, the exhibition examines how the painter drew inspiration from cabaret life, symbolist plays, and the vibrant boulevard theaters he frequented throughout his career.
Beyond his role as a spectator, Vuillard was deeply involved in these progressive circles, creating stage sets and programs that influenced his intimate approach to painting. The exhibition showcases how he translated the dramatic energy of the stage onto canvas, utilizing a scenographic style to capture his subjects. You will also find portraits of the era's prominent actors and authors, as well as his significant mural commissions for Parisian theaters, which stand as the culmination of his artistic obsession with performance.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 09:30 to 18:00, with an extended session on Thursdays until 21:45. Admission is paid, and tickets will be available for purchase through the upcoming online booking system.
