Ruhlmann, Decorator: A Century of Art Deco at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs, Paris

From March 12 to June 1, 2025, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris will mark the centenary of Art Deco with a dedicated exhibition celebrating the work of Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann, one of the movement’s most iconic figures. Known for his elegant furniture and refined interiors, this exhibition highlights a lesser-known facet of Ruhlmann’s talent: his designs for wall coverings and fabrics, while showcasing their connection to his renowned furniture creations.

Featuring 70 pieces, including 26 sketchbooks, 40 wallpaper samples, textiles, and archival photographs, the exhibition provides a rare look into Ruhlmann’s mastery of pattern and texture. Many of these works are drawn from the museum’s own collections, offering an intimate glimpse into the creative process of a designer whose influence continues to shape contemporary aesthetics. Notably, the exhibition explores how Ruhlmann’s decorative designs complemented his furniture, resulting in harmonious interiors that epitomized Art Deco elegance.

This exhibition inaugurates the museum’s new Cabinet of Drawings, Wallpapers, and Photographs, a space designed to showcase delicate works that cannot be permanently displayed. Thanks to digital technology, visitors can explore Ruhlmann’s sketchbooks in detail, revealing vibrant patterns and innovative motifs originally created for wallpapers, carpets, and marquetry—many of which were later adapted into his furniture’s distinctive designs. The visual dialogue between these elements is further illustrated by examples of his furniture displayed alongside corresponding textile and wallpaper designs.

Ruhlmann’s career reached international acclaim at the 1925 International Exhibition of Decorative Arts and Modern Industry in Paris, where his designs set a new standard for modern luxury. His collaborations with leading manufacturers such as Desfossé & Karth and ESSEF are highlighted, showcasing the technical craftsmanship that brought his designs to life. Historical photographs from the 1925 Exhibition’s Pavilion of the Collector illustrate how Ruhlmann’s interiors seamlessly integrated furniture, textiles, and decorative elements.

A key focus of the exhibition is the design process itself. Original gouache-painted designs and production samples reveal the meticulous journey from initial sketches to final printing, using traditional woodblock and cylinder techniques. This process reflects the same attention to detail that defined Ruhlmann’s furniture, where decorative motifs were often integrated as intricate marquetry, reinforcing the connection between his work in surface design and furniture craftsmanship.

To accompany the exhibition, the museum will publish an album titled Ruhlmann, Decorator (48 pages, 57 illustrations). This publication offers further insights into Ruhlmann’s creative legacy, making it an essential addition for design enthusiasts and collectors alike.