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Art Deco Animals : A Must-See Exhibition Celebrating 100 Years of Art Deco

sculpture d'un ours polaire de François Pompon
Musée Blanche Hoschedé-Monet, Ville de Vernon

An Immersive Journey into the Animal World of Art Deco

To mark the centenary of the Art Deco movement, the Musée Blanche Hoschedé-Monet in Vernon (Normandy) presents an exceptional exhibition entitled Art Deco Animals. From May 17 to September 21, 2025, the exhibition celebrates animals in all their artistic forms through the lens of Art Deco—a movement that revolutionized the decorative arts from the 1920s onward.

François Pompon and his famous stylized Bear

Major Artists and Iconic Works

The exhibition features unique pieces by some of the greatest names in animal sculpture :

Armand Petersen, with the elegant Round-Backed Antelope
© Armand Petersen Association
  • François Pompon and his iconic stylized Bear
  • Armand Petersen, with the elegant Rounded-back Antelope
  • Maurice Prost, Panther on a Branch, a masterpiece of poised tension
  • Gaston Suisse, Ibis in gilded lacquer
  • Marcel Sandoz, Sea Conger and refined decorative objects
Maurice Prost, Panther on a Branch, a masterpiece
of controlled tension © Galerie Nicolas Bourriaud

These works, on loan from prestigious institutions (MuMa Le Havre, Musée Pompon, CNAP…) and renowned galleries, reflect a golden age of animal art—blending geometry, abstraction, and detailed craftsmanship.

Art Deco : Aesthetic Between Nature and Modernity

Born after World War I, the Art Deco style combines geometric shapes, luxurious materials, and a pursuit of modernity. In the field of animal representation, this translates into simplified lines, stylized silhouettes, and meticulous textures—polished bronzes, exotic woods, lacquered finishes. The animal becomes a symbol of elegance, far removed from 19th-century realism.

A Rich Cultural Program for All Ages

In addition to the exhibition, the museum offers:

  • Guided tours every Saturday (no reservation needed)
  • Children & family workshops, such as creating vases inspired by Art Deco pieces or personalizing tote bags with geometric patterns
  • Two expert-led talks, focusing on Art Deco and animal art, given by heritage curators

The exhibition will be inaugurated on May 17 during the European Night of Museums, with a festive evening inspired by the Roaring Twenties and a live jazz concert.

Why Visit Art Deco Animals?

✔️ A unique exhibition in France dedicated to animals in Art Deco
✔️ Rare works on loan from major institutions
✔️ A refined, immersive scenography
✔️ A multigenerational event combining art, heritage, and creativity

🎟️ Don’t miss this journey into the stylized bestiary of Art Deco in Vernon. A must-visit for art lovers, design enthusiasts, and curious minds of all ages.

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