© Christophe Dellière - Les Arts Décoratifs / Martin Argyroglo - Christophe Dellière
Ready to travel back in time ? The Musée des Arts Décoratifs unveils its new exhibition Une journée au XVIIIe siècle, Chronique d’un hôtel particulier, inviting visitors to step into the private world of its residents. Running until July 5, the museum – located just steps away from the Louvre Museum – offers a fully immersive experience surrounded by an array of period pieces, including wood paneling, wallpaper, furniture, garments and even fashion accessories.
An Immersive Tour Inside an 18th-Century Mansion
What if you could imagine yourself as a guest of an 18th-century aristocratic family for the duration of a visit ? That’s precisely the ambition behind this new immersive exhibition at MAD. Through a fully experiential scenography, visitors wander among nearly 550 original works, rarely displayed, staged as they would have been in an authentic 1780s private mansion.
Divided into several rooms corresponding to different moments of the day, the exhibition reveals the intimate lives of all its inhabitants – from the masters of the house to their servants – offering deeper insight into 18th-century lifestyle and social codes. From the morning toilette to evening games, including a refined chocolate, tea or coffee break in the boudoir, every detail of daily life is meticulously recreated. To heighten the immersion, the sound of horses’ hooves striking cobblestones greets visitors from the very first room, while an evocative olfactory universe created by Daniela Andrier awakens the senses. Our highlight ? The room dedicated to Madame and her boudoir, where she reads on an ottoman or writes at her desk – also known as a “bonheur-du-jour” – surrounded by her many refined pastimes.
© Les Arts Décoratifs / Christophe Dellière
Creative Workshops for a 100% Hands-On Experience
To extend the experience, why not book one of the museum’s creative workshops ? Visitors can design a fold-out artist’s book, adorn an 18th-century bust with playful accessories – beauty patches, wigs and silk ribbons – or create their own 18th-century-inspired mood board. Cut, paste, draw, and take your masterpiece home.
© Lucy Winkelmann
Une journée au 18e siècle, Chronique d’un hôtel particulier, until July 5. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am–6pm, with late-night opening on Thursdays until 9pm for temporary exhibitions. Full price : €15; Reduced price : €10; Free for under-26s.
Also discover The 5 Best (Free) Exhibitions to See This Winter and The Musée de la Vie Romantique Reopens Its Doors
