Modern Paris at the Petit Palais

To conclude its trilogy of exhibitions dedicated to the cultural history of the City of Light, the Petit Palais presents "Modern Paris" an exhibition highlighting the creative effervescence of the capital between 1905 and 1925.

From the Belle Époque to the Roaring Twenties, Paris attracted artists from around the world, becoming the stage for exceptional creativity and innovation. You will have the opportunity to admire over 400 works by essential artists such as Robert and Sonia Delaunay, Marcel Duchamp, Amedeo Modigliani, Pablo Picasso, and many more. The immense variety of creative environments showcased, from the designs of Paul Poiret to the jewelry of Cartier, to a car loaned for the occasion by the National Automobile Museum of Mulhouse, will surprise you.

Through this breathtaking diversity of creations, you will experience a true immersion in the bubbling atmosphere of this unique period. The exhibition's itinerary, both chronological and thematic, stands out with its geographical focus on the Champs-Élysées. This iconic neighborhood becomes the pulsating heart of modernity with the Grand Palais, showcasing the latest artistic creations, and the Petit Palais, playing a major patriotic role during World War I.

In 1925, the Petit Palais is at the center of the International Exhibition of Decorative and Modern Industrial Arts, marking a fascinating blend of tradition and avant-garde. Iconic figures like Josephine Baker leave an indelible mark on this quarter, testifying to the cultural and social effervescence that characterizes it.

Modernity is also expressed through technical and industrial progress. Salons dedicated to bicycles, automobiles, and aviation at the Grand Palais have a lasting influence on artists like Marcel Duchamp or Robert Delaunay. The exhibition also highlights the crucial role of women in this period of social upheaval, 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.

Montparnasse becomes a place where the less affluent cross paths with the wealthiest, a crucible of cultural life where artists and patrons meet. Paris truly becomes the "capital of the world," attracting talent from around the globe. The scenography by Philippe Pumain will immerse you in this flourishing period. Films by René Clair, Fernand Léger, and Charlie Chaplin punctuate the exhibition, transporting you into the spirit of "Modern Paris".

"Modern Paris (1905-1925)" at the Petit Palais is more than just an exhibition; it is an enchanting journey through an era of artistic revolutions and major social transformations. It is a dazzling celebration of the creativity and audacity that shaped a pivotal period in the history of Paris. Through this exhibition, the Petit Palais offers us a precious gift: a ticket to a journey into the past, exploring 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! From November 14, 2023, to April 14, 2024.

Until April 14. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.

Photo ©Jad Limcaco- Unsplash