This season in Paris, immerse yourself in fascinating worlds where the history of art, design, and fashion unfolds in all its facets. From the centenary celebration of the House of Lesage, undisputed masters of embroidery and weaving, to an exploration of intimacy through the centuries, each exhibition offers a unique immersion into stories rich in creativity and craftsmanship. Be captivated by the journey of Heinz Berggruen, a visionary collector, or by the legacy of Jean Gabriel Augustin Chevallier, optician to kings, and discover how innovation and passion have shaped art and culture throughout the ages.

LESAGE, 100 YEARS OF FASHION AND DECORATION

This year, Lesage celebrates 100 years of excellence in the art of embroidery and weaving. Founded in 1924 by Albert and Marie-Louise Lesage, the house has established itself as a key player in the history of haute couture and fashion, collaborating with leading designers and fashion houses while also expanding into areas such as decoration and design. To celebrate this century of expertise, the exhibition "Lesage, 100 Years of Fashion and Decoration" invites the public to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of fine embroidery. Through a journey rich in exceptional pieces and immersive installations, the exhibition reveals the secrets of this iconic house and highlights Lesage's exceptional embroidery collection, the largest in the world. Participatory workshops, unprecedented collaborations with contemporary creators and festive events complement this celebration, offering a unique experience, between tradition and modernity, to discover the living history of Lesage and its essential role in the world of fashion and art.
"LESAGE, 100 YEARS OF FASHION AND DECORATION" 19M
2, PLACE SKANDERBEG, PARIS 19TH
UNTIL JANUARY 26, 2025
LE19M.COM

ENGINEER CHEVALLIER

The incredible story of Jean Gabriel Augustin Chevallier, the optician to kings, begins in 1796 when he inherited the oldest eyewear shop in Paris, founded in 1740 by his grandfather. Renowned for his genius, he became the official optician to the most prominent crowned heads of Europe, from Louis XV to the emperors, and earned an unparalleled reputation worldwide. His inventiveness extended beyond eyeglasses: he also designed highly precise microscopes, propelling his creations to the forefront of science. A pioneer of advertising, he installed a giant thermometer in front of his shop to attract the attention of Parisians, while also publishing a revolutionary work on eyesight and eyeglasses in 1810. Awarded numerous distinctions, Engineer Chevallier left his mark on the history of optics through his expertise and innovative spirit. Even today, his company, although taken over, remains a symbol of luxury and refinement in the world of optics, attracting enthusiasts of rare and high-quality objects.
17, RUE DES PYRAMIDES, PARIS 1ER
ENGINEERCHEVALLIER.COM

INTIMATE LIFE, FROM THE BEDROOM TO SOCIAL NETWORKS

The exhibition offers a journey through the evolution of intimacy, showcasing 470 works ranging from paintings and photographs to everyday objects, from design to decorative art. Spanning the period from the 18th century to the present day, it reveals how private spaces and practices have changed. From bedrooms captured by photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Nan Goldin to the transformations of objects of intimate life like beds, toiletries, and accessories for beauty and sexuality, the exhibition illustrates a fascinating trajectory. It explores how intimacy has shifted from the realm of the aristocracy to mass consumption, while addressing topics such as surveillance, protection, and new technologies like social media. By redefining the boundaries between public and private, it invites reflection on contemporary issues related to personal life and its transformations.
"INTIMATE LIFE, FROM THE BEDROOM TO SOCIAL MEDIA"
MAD PARIS
107, RUE DE RIVOLI, PARIS 1ST
UNTIL MARCH 30, 2025
MADPARIS.FR

HEINZ BERGGRUEN, A MERCHANT AND HIS COLLECTION

The exhibition dedicated to Heinz Berggruen invites visitors to discover the fascinating story of this art dealer and collector, an influential figure in the post-war Parisian art market. Born in Berlin in 1914 to a Jewish family, he fled World War II to settle in California before returning to Europe, where he found his niche in the art world. After an initial experience in San Francisco, he moved to Paris, where, through collaborations with artists, poets, and collectors, he forged a rich network. Specializing in graphic arts and modern works, Berggruen assembled an exceptional collection, showcasing his favorite masters, Picasso and Klee. By presenting his personal tastes and affinities, the exhibition reveals his encounters and his major role in the artistic scene of the time. With over one hundred masterpieces, Berggruen's legacy resonates today in a special way with the Walter-Guillaume collection, offering a unique perspective on the history of the 20th century art market.
“HEINZ BERGGRUEN, A MERCHANT AND HIS COLLECTION”
ORANGE MUSEUM
Tuileries Garden, Paris 1st
UNTIL JANUARY 27, 2025
MUSEE-ORANGERIE.FR

THE DEPARTMENT STORES SAGA

The exhibition "The Saga of Department Stores" invites visitors to discover the fascinating evolution of these icons of consumption, from their golden age in the 19th century to the digital age and its challenges. Through an immersive and engaging scenography, visitors are plunged into the vibrant atmosphere of these temples of commerce, with nearly 500 works from rarely seen collections. These majestic spaces, symbols of an architectural and social revolution, transformed consumer habits and shaped a new way of life. While their heyday, between 1850 and 1930, was marked by spectacular innovations, department stores had to reinvent themselves in the face of the rise of supermarkets and then online shopping. Today, they are redefining their identity by combining heritage and modernity, while offering unique experiences. A captivating immersion at the crossroads of history, architecture, and design, to be discovered to understand their role in our society.

"THE DEPARTMENT STORES SAGA"
CITY OF ARCHITECTURE AND HERITAGE
1, PLACE DU TROCADÉRO ET DU 11 NOVEMBRE, PARIS 16TH
UNTIL APRIL 6, 2025
CITEDEARCHITECTURE.FR