Les Arts décoratifs

Les Arts décoratifs began not as a government project, but as a private endeavor by collectors and art lovers in 1882. They established this institution to prove that everyday objects, from chairs to textiles, deserved the same level of artistic respect as traditional fine art like painting and sculpture. This mission was driven by a desire to keep the culture of French craftsmanship alive, specifically by bridging the gap between industry, design, and art. The institution operates as a non-profit association, maintaining a unique independence while occupying the historic Pavillon de Marsan wing of the Louvre.