Month: April 2025

A museum dedicated to Hector Guimard (1867–1942), the emblematic figure of Art Nouveau, will soon open its doors in Paris. Renowned for his metro entrances with their organic, plant-like lines, Guimard will finally receive the recognition he deserves. The chosen site, the Hôtel Mezzara, perfectly embodies the elegance and inventiveness of his work.

An Architectural Masterpiece in the Heart of the 16th Arrondissement

Located at 60 rue Jean-de-la-Fontaine, the Hôtel Mezzara is an architectural gem built in 1910 for textile industrialist Paul Mezzara.
This listed historic monument reflects the pure essence of Art Nouveau through its flowing shapes, colorful stained-glass windows, and organic ironwork.
Guimard designed every detail, from the large zenithal skylight to the dining room, which has remained intact for over a century.

After serving as a boarding annex for the Lycée Jean-Zay from 1954 to 2015, the mansion is now entering a new chapter. Its public reopening will mark a major milestone in the preservation of Paris’s Art Nouveau heritage.

An Ambitious Project Supported by the French State and Private Patrons

The Hector Guimard Museum project is led by Fabien Choné, president of Hector Guimard Diffusion, and Nicolas Horiot, president of Le Cercle Guimard.
The French State has granted a 50-year lease to Foncière Mezzara, which will finance the complete restoration of the building—an investment of six million euros.

Work is scheduled to begin at the end of 2026 under the supervision of an architect of historic monuments and Art Nouveau specialists.
The opening is planned for late 2027 or early 2028. This ambitious project will breathe new life into a forgotten site and offer Paris a museum entirely devoted to one of its most visionary creators.

Collections, Virtual Reality and Immersive Experiences

The Hector Guimard Museum will showcase around 100 original pieces—furniture, glassware, vases, ceramics, models, and lighting fixtures designed by Guimard himself.
These works come from both private and public collections, as well as recent acquisitions made by Fabien Choné.

Visitors will also enjoy an immersive virtual-reality (VR) experience, plunging them into the legendary Humbert de Romans concert hall, a masterpiece lost in 1905.

In addition, the museum will feature a 700 m² garden with a café and bookstore, allowing visitors to extend their visit. Admission will range from €15 to €20, making beauty accessible to all.

Hector Guimard, Visionary of Art Nouveau

Born in 1867, Hector Guimard transformed the architectural landscape of his time.
Inspired by Victor Horta in Brussels, he introduced in France a radically new style based on natural curves and harmony between architecture and decoration.

He designed not only the buildings themselves but also their furniture and decorative objects—anticipating the concept of total design.
His most famous work, the Paris Metro entrances, perfectly captures his poetic, organic vision. Although initially criticized, these structures now symbolize Paris as much as the Eiffel Tower.

Of the 167 metro entrances he created, only 88 remain today, scattered across France and abroad.

Paris, Capital of the Art Nouveau Revival

With this new museum, Paris strengthens its position among the great Art Nouveau capitals, alongside Brussels and Barcelona.
The future Guimard Museum will become a reference point for architecture, history, and design enthusiasts.
By reviving the Hôtel Mezzara, the French capital celebrates not only a creative genius but also an ideal: an art form that connects beauty to everyday life.

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❓ FAQ — Hector Guimard Museum in Paris

When will the Hector Guimard Museum open?
The opening is scheduled for late 2027 or early 2028. Restoration work will begin in late 2026 and last about a year.

Where is the museum located?
At the Hôtel Mezzara, 60 rue Jean-de-la-Fontaine, 16th arrondissement of Paris — in the heart of the so-called “Guimard District,” home to several of his buildings, including the Castel Béranger.

How much will tickets cost?
Entrance fees will range between €15 and €20, with reduced rates and combined offers (visit + VR experience or café).

What will visitors see there?
More than 100 original and re-issued works—furniture, glassware, vases, ceramics, models, and lighting fixtures.
A VR experience will recreate the lost Humbert de Romans hall from 1905.

What is the Hôtel Mezzara?
Built in 1910 by Guimard for Paul Mezzara, it is an Art Nouveau masterpiece listed as a historic monument.
It features a large stained-glass roof, sculpted metal staircase, and a dining room preserved in its original state.

Who funds the project?
Led by Fabien Choné and Nicolas Horiot, the project benefits from a 50-year lease with the State; Foncière Mezzara will invest €6 million in restoration.

Will there be a café or garden?
Yes — a 700 m² garden with a cultural café and bookstore will host events and talks on design and heritage.

Why is Hector Guimard famous?
Guimard (1867–1942) is considered France’s master of Art Nouveau. He revolutionized urban design through his organic curves and natural forms, seen in his Paris Metro entrances. His masterpiece, the Castel Béranger, earned him the City of Paris Award in 1898.

How many metro entrances still exist?
Out of 167, only 88 remain today. Some have been relocated abroad, notably to Montreal and Lisbon, showcasing the international reach of his style.

Can visitors buy Guimard designs?
Yes. The museum will feature a shop offering official re-editions of Guimard’s work (lamps, ironwork, decorative objects) crafted by partner artisans using authentic materials and techniques.

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