Modernist designs of the 20th century

Iconic chair designs of the 1950s

Particularly noteworthy is the 20th century furniture collection at the Musee des arts decoratifs which occupies seven floors, each of which is dedicated to a decade of iconic designs.  Again, no effort is spared to provide a panorama of the chair designs of the 1950s by modernist masters - Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen in the United States, Arne Jacobsen in Denmark and Castiglioni in Italy.  Advances in technology since the post-war period had made possible the mass production of new materials such as plywood, fibreglass, light-weight steel, to create modern furniture in fluid, organic forms that are still being made by their original manufacturers, Knoll and Cassina.  It is amazing how these designs could look so contemporary and blend in well with modern interiors when they were conceived half a century ago.

Lighting and tableware from the 1950s.

Chair designed by Niki de Saint Phalle

Children furniture designs from the 1950s

Moving one floor down, the creations from the 80s and 90s tell quite a different story. They are showcased in sections by top designers including Ron Arad, Tom Dixon from the UK and Philippe Starck from France. Honestly it is hard to visualise some of these pieces outside of the museum setting. No doubt they are high on style but low on comfort for everyday use.  It would not surprise me at all if a few of these pieces are one-offs and have been specially commissioned by the museum just for display.

Papadelle chair, Ron Arad, 1992

Collection Pi, Martin Szekely, 1984

Homage to De Chirico, Pucci de Rossi, 1990

Collection 1979-1992, Philippe Starck