There are many ways to travel back in time. Immerse yourself in the era of Napoleon, visit one of Europe’s most fascinating prehistoric sites, or discover the landscapes that inspired Van Gogh in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Since May 8, the Château Borély—Museum of Decorative Arts, Ceramics, and Fashion —invites visitors to relive an entire era through the exhibition “Art Nouveau – Art Deco: Marseille at the Heart of Styles.” This unique exhibition highlights two major artistic movements that have profoundly shaped the decorative arts. Amid plant motifs, Mediterranean influences, and geometric modernity, the exhibition reveals a facet of Marseille’s heritage still largely unknown to the general public.
Art Nouveau – Art Deco: a journey into the elegance of the decorative arts
For the first time, Château Borély is dedicating an entire exhibition to this pivotal period in Marseille’s decorative and industrial arts. The exhibition traces nearly fifty years of creativity, from 1889 to 1937. It explores the transition from the nature-inspired curves characteristic of Art Nouveau to the more streamlined and geometric forms of Art Deco.
Furniture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and decorative objects: the exhibition brings together nearly 300 works and pieces. Several creations come from institutions such as the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée des Textiles de Lyon, and the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa. These collaborations help put into perspective Marseille’s role in the dissemination of decorative styles throughout the Mediterranean.
Beyond aesthetics, the exhibition also shows how Marseille established itself as a true artistic crossroads. As a port city open to the world, it absorbed numerous influences before reinventing them in its own way. The exhibition thus highlights the exchanges between local craftsmanship, industry, and major European trends.
An exhibition enhanced by a historic setting
It’s hard to imagine a more fitting venue for such an exhibition. Located in the heart of Borély Park, Château Borély is one of Marseille’s most elegant buildings.
Built in the 18th century for a wealthy family of Marseille merchants, the château blends classical architecture with refined décor. For several years now, it has housed the Museum of Decorative Arts, Ceramics, and Fashion. A setting that perfectly complements the pieces on display in the exhibition.
The bright salons on the first floor showcase the works in a setting designed to create a dialogue between styles and eras. Amid stucco moldings, majestic spaces, and views of the park, the visit quickly takes on the feel of a journey through time.
It’s finally the perfect opportunity to (re)discover the château.
Practical information:
📍ChâteauBorély – Museum of Decorative Arts, Ceramics, and Fashion
132, avenue Clot Bey, 13008 Marseille
📆 May 8, 2026 – April 25, 2027
🎫 Full price: €6 / Reduced price: €3 –Online ticketing
