Hector Guimard: How Paris Got Its Curves invites a new understanding of France’s most famous art nouveau architect, Hector Guimard (1867–1942).

Guimard is perhaps best known for his designs for the Paris Métro stations (1898–1900) and private residences like Castel Béranger (1895–97)—both important commissions broadcasting the art nouveau style he was developing at the turn of the century. The repeated use of organically curved, undulating lines anchored his efforts to create an eponymous brand he called le style Guimard. Lesser known is his more pared-down work for several standardized housing projects from the 1920s, attesting to his socialist and pacificist leanings. Though seemingly opposite in appearance, these later projects were always critical components of the Guimard style.

Providing urban and historical context for the full range of Guimard’s design work, this exhibition reexamines le style Guimard through the lens of his design processes and marketing strategies.

PUBLICATION

The exhibition is accompanied by the publication Hector Guimard: Art Nouveau to Modernism edited by David A. Hanks (Yale University Press in association with the Richard H. Driehaus Museum, 2021).

Available at SHOP Cooper Hewitt.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Hector Guimard: How Paris Got Its Curves is organized by Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, New York, and the Richard H. Driehaus Museum, Chicago. Following its presentation at Cooper Hewitt, the exhibition will travel to the Driehaus Museum (June 22, 2023, through Jan. 7, 2024).

At Cooper Hewitt, Hector Guimard: How Paris Got Its Curves was curated by Yao-Fen You, senior curator and head of product design and decorative arts, with Andrea Lacalamita, curatorial fellow, and support from Phoebe Boosalis Moore, former program assistant, and Alisa Chiles, former Smithsonian fellow.

Exhibition design and graphic design by Studio Joseph.

SUPPORT

Hector Guimard: How Paris Got Its Curves is made possible with major support from Denise Littlefield Sobel.

Generous support is provided by The Lemberg Foundation and Marilyn F. Friedman. Support is also provided by the August Heckscher Exhibition Fund, The Felicia Fund, and Margery F. Masinter.

Exhibition Date: Now through Sunday, May 21 2023

Location: Cooper-Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum

2 East 91st Street, New York, NY 10128

Hours:

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily

Admission

Adults: $18, timed-ticket required

Visitors with Disabilities: $10, timed-ticket required

Seniors (62 & above): $12, timed-ticket required

Students: $9, timed-ticket required

18 & under: Free, timed-ticket required

Cooper Hewitt Members: $9, no need to book in advance

Pay What You Wish, 5 to 6 p.m. daily

Reserve your tickets 

MASKS REQUIRED

Beginning December 12, all visitors age 2+ are required to wear a mask while inside the Museum, SHOP, and cafe.

PROOF OF VACCINATION

Visitors are not required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the museum, SHOP or cafe.

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