Exhibitions and Events in Paris this September

21 August 2015

Delve into Design Archives & Marvel at Contemporary Creations during the Ultimate Cultural City Break

This September, Paris can boast three exciting events and exhibitions that each offer the chance to marvel at the wealth of artefacts France, Europe and the world have to offer. With the first retrospective into the history of glass since 1951, a delve into Baccarat’s awe-inspiring archives and guided tours around contemporary architecture, Paris can deliver the ultimate autumn cultural city break.

Baccarat: The Legend Continues

Galerie-Musée Baccarat

Until 26th September 2015

Following last year’s 250th anniversary retrospective at the Petit Palais, the world’s most famous crystal maker, Baccarat is hosting a second exhibition dedicated to its iconic back catalogue within its very own museum. Combining pieces from the original selection and an array of previously unseen works, the collection’s five themes will offer insight into a sparkling history dating back to 1764. The brand’s expert craftsmanship, design process and many sources of inspiration will be on show via archived documents, detailed designs sketches and finished pieces; from an 1878 drawing of a camel shaped incense burner to the layout idea for ornate ruby overlay crystal vases that took two years to engrave.

Established following a royal warrant from Louis XV, Baccarat has developed a reputation for creating the ‘crystal of kings’, and this is explored in the collection with the inclusion of the Célimène vase gifted to Queen Elizabeth II in 1972, a 1906 rose-tinted Tsar service set and examples of a turquoise coloured crystal that was originally created for the Shah of Persia. Other notable pieces include the magnificent ‘Sun Clock’, a design that was inspired by the Sun King motif that adorns the gates of Versailles and chosen by Arthur Miller to decorate his marital home with Marilyn Munroe. Take the opportunity to admire the finest works from such a respected brand for a mere €10 entry fee this September.

European Heritage Days

Various Locations

19th-20th September 2015

Since 1985, European Heritage Days have been offering the annual opportunity to explore architectural sites, magnificent monuments and beautifully designed gardens, some of which normally remain closed to the public. The majority of the 17,000 locations will be opening their doors for free this September, all in the aid of promoting and encouraging the continuation and preservation of Europe’s cultural heritage. This year, France’s two day event is focussed on the ‘Heritage of the XXIst Century’, looking at designs created during the last 15 years that may prove historically significant to future generations.

The many Heritage Day attractions on offer in Paris include the chance to join a ‘cultural hike’ around the 18km Jardin d'Acclimatation, taking in sights including the glistening glass sails of the Louis Vuitton Fondation, or a visit to Médiathèque Françoise Sagan, the former Saint-Lazare prison turned contemporary library. A guided tour around Halle Freyssinet will reveal a historical 1920s train depot transformed into a deluxe events space that's already hosted the likes of the Givenchy S/S 2015 men’s catwalk, while its next metamorphosis will result in the ‘world’s largest digital business incubator’ from 2016. With so many awe-inspiring structures to visit, this event will be unmissable for any architecture fan visiting Paris.

Treasures of Sand and Fire

Les Arts Décoratifs

Until 15th November 2015

Displayed within 12 rooms over two floors, the ‘Treasures of Sand and Fire’ exhibition offers an indepth exploration into glassmaking between the 14th and 21st centuries. Boasting over 600 pieces, the chronological display offers insight into how styles and techniques have evolved and influenced each other, from Chinese Qing dynasty glassware to the Art Nouveau pieces by Émile Gallé that it inspired. Alongside works from European, Oriental and American schools and movements, particular focus attention is paid to French designers, including Baccarat’s stunning opal crystal creations and Rene Lalique’s frosted ‘Two Mermaids’ bowl that features delicate reeds and two jade coloured mermaids lifting away from either side.

As one of the finest collections of its kind in Europe, every type of glassware is examined, from an array of artworks to an assortment of ordinary household objects. One room is entirely dedicated to the history of the drinking glass since 1900, while others feature edgier works from the last 40 years, including Yoichu Ohira’s ‘Cristallo Sommerso Scolpito no.68’ that appears to feature three sliced layers remoulded to produce one striking vase. Mosaic patterns, splashes of colour and organic designs like Daum’s pink ‘Crocus Bouquet Vase’ sit alongside intricate detailing on a 14th century mosque lamp named after Sultan Baybars II, and all make for a truly fascinating feast for the eyes at Les Arts Décoratifs.

From the chance to see crystal creations championed by royalty since the 18th century to tours around structures set to become the heritage of future generations, Paris can offer some of the finest and most fascinating art and design exhibitions and events this September.