Une journée au XVIIIe siècle, chronique d'un hôtel particulier

Description

From 16 February to 5 July 2026, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs invites us to immerse ourselves in the intimacy of an 18th-century aristocratic residence, thanks to an immersive exhibition entitled 'A Special Day in 18th-Century Paris'. Featuring more than 500 original pieces, mainly from the museum's own diverse collections-including woodwork, furniture, ceramics, silverware, paintings, sculptures, graphic arts, textiles and fashion, toys, jewellery, glassware, wallpaper, and more-the exhibition aims to bring to life a world of refinement and comfort. The daily activities of the mansion's inhabitants, masters, servants and pets, are explored over the course of a day, from sunrise to sunset, with each room of the mansion associated with a specific moment. The exhibition catalogue follows the same structure. After an essay setting the scene for this particular day, there are 180 detailed scientific notes, with each part of the exhibition introduced by an extract from an 18th-century literary work. From morning toilet to evening games in elegant company, via the magnificence of a French dinner, the sweet strains of a concert in the salon or the pleasures of conversation during a stroll in the garden, the book becomes a guide to a journey through time. These notes are accompanied by 250 illustrations.