The interwar years (1918–1939) were a pinnacle of creativity. While I’ve always loved Art Nouveau, exploring recent exhibitions have shown me just how much Art Déco shaped the world. From cinema and architecture to department stores and even the Paris Metro; its geometric influence is everywhere.
Due to the popularity of the current exhibits, MAD has extended its hours on Saturday until 9:00 pm and on Sunday until 8:00 pm.
The ticket office closes at 5:15 pm. A special line out front of MAD is for those who are unable to make a reservation online. The one ticket is good for both exhibitions.
If you are in Paris, the 1925-2025: Cent Ans d’Art Déco exhibit is a must-see—the Orient Express displays on the ground floor are the “cherry on the cake.” If you can’t make it, I’ve linked the English brochure [here] which summarizes the highlights in the seventeen themed areas. During my visit I photographed images and explanations. Open this [page] to see them about the 100 years of Art Déco history and evolvution.
What I liked
I liked the background history in the beginning of the exhibition describing how Art Nouveau declined but also emerged into Art Déco.
I was so dazzled by the details of the displays; it was hard to leave one room and move into the next. The design of the furniture in room 8 such as the armchair, the desk and the bookshelves are still modern!
A Global Movement
Originally known as the “Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts,” the movement was officially renamed “Art Déco” in 1968. You can recognize Art Déco by its signature clean, geometric lines.
The exhibition 1925-2025: Cent Ans d’Art Déco at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD) runs until April 26, 2026.
The MAD exhibit begins with a retrospective of the 1925 International Exhibition, a massive event featuring 21 countries and 150 pavilions. Interestingly, Germany was absent due to political tensions, the U.S. sent only a delegation, and Great Britain was slow to pivot away from traditional styles.
MAD: A Deep Dive into Design
Many of the pieces on display are part of MAD’s permanent collection. The museum has curated them to tell a story that actually begins before 1925. To get the full picture, you should also visit the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine (through March 29). While the Architecture Museum focuses on the French pavilions’ architects, the MAD exhibit showcases their specific works and drawings. Together, they illustrate the vast evolution of the movement.
Did Art Nouveau Die Out?
The 1900 Paris International Exposition was Art Nouveau’s “swan song.” Designers soon began to modernize, blending organic nature with simplified geometric shapes. Drawing inspiration from the 1902 Turin exhibition and French culture, the 1925 creators focused on being modern and original as much as possible. Art Déco continued to evolve through the late 1930s before experiencing a massive revival in the 1960s. More on Paul Poiret at MAD.
The Cent ans (100 years) exhibit brochure is available [here] and more photos from the exhibit are [here]. Enjoy the visit through my eyes!
Quick Guide: Art Déco Centenary in Paris
| Exhibition | Where | Dates | The Focus |
| Cent Ans d’Art Déco | MAD (Musée des Arts Décoratifs) | Until April 26, 2026 new weekend hours: Saturday until 9 pm Sundays until 8 pm | Global expansion, furniture, decorative arts, jewellery, cinema, and the Orient Express. |
| Paris 1925 | Cité de l’Architecture | Until March 29, 2026 | The architects behind the famous 1925 pavilions. |