To conclude its trilogy of exhibitions exploring the cultural history of the City of Light, the Petit Palais is currently presenting "Modern Paris" This exhibition highlights the creative effervescence of the capital between 1905 and 1925, attracting artists from around the world from the Belle Époque to the Roaring Twenties.
Over 400 works signed by artists such as Robert and Sonia Delaunay, Marcel Duchamp, Amedeo Modigliani, Pablo Picasso, and others are on display, offering an incredible diversity of artistic creations. The variety of creative environments is also showcased, ranging from the designs of Paul Poiret to the jewelry of Cartier, including a car loaned by the National Automobile Museum of Mulhouse.
The exhibition offers a captivating immersion into the bubbling atmosphere of this unique period, with an itinerary that is both chronological and thematic. The geographical focus on the Champs-Élysées, an iconic neighborhood of modernity with the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais playing a patriotic role during World War I, provides an original perspective.
In 1925, the Petit Palais becomes the center of the International Exhibition of Decorative and Modern Industrial Arts, symbolizing a fascinating blend of tradition and avant-garde. Iconic figures like Joséphine Baker leave their mark, testifying to the cultural and social effervescence of the quarter.
Modernity is also expressed through technical and industrial progress, influencing artists such as Marcel Duchamp or Robert Delaunay. The exhibition highlights the crucial role of women, with artists like Marie Laurencin, Jacqueline Marval, Marie Vassilieff, and Tamara de Lempicka actively participating in artistic avant-gardes.
From the underworld to high society, personalities like Max Jacob or Gertrude Stein bridge different spheres of society, making Montparnasse a crucible of cultural life. Paris truly becomes the "capital of the world", attracting talent from around the globe.
The immersive scenography by Philippe Pumain plunges visitors into this flourishing period. Films by René Clair, Fernand Léger, and Charlie Chaplin punctuate the exhibition, transporting viewers into the spirit of "The Paris of Modernity."
"The Paris of Modernity (1905-1925)" at the Petit Palais transcends the experience of a simple exhibition, offering an enchanting journey through an era of artistic revolutions and social transformations. It is a dazzling celebration of the creativity and audacity that marked a pivotal period in the history of Paris. The Petit Palais thus provides us with a precious ticket for a journey into the past, discovering the modernity that made Paris an unparalleled cultural beacon.
Feel free to contact our reception team at the FABRIC hotel for any additional requests or information!
Until April 14, 2024, from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Photo ©Diogo Fagundes - Unsplash