Location: Villa Majorelle, 1 rue Louis Majorelle, F-54000 Nancy, France
Original Architect: Henri Sauvage
Reopening Weekend: 15-16 February 2020
Villa Majorelle, the first fully Art Nouveau building in Nancy, reopens after significant renovations, offering visitors a unique journey into the world of this iconic architectural style. Originally designed between 1901 and 1902 by architect Henri Sauvage for Louis Majorelle, a prominent furniture designer, the villa has undergone extensive restoration work to preserve its historic charm.
A Landmark of Art Nouveau
Commissioned by Louis Majorelle, Villa Majorelle reflects the innovative spirit of the Art Nouveau movement. Louis’s son, Jacques Majorelle, sold the villa to the government following his father’s passing in 1926. Rediscovery of the Art Nouveau style led to its listing as a historic monument in 1975 and its classification in 1996. Since 2003, the City Council of Nancy has owned the villa, entrusting the Musée de l’École de Nancy with its cultural and scientific project.
Renovation and Rediscovery
The villa’s exterior renovations, showcased during the 2017 Heritage Days, were the precursor to a meticulous interior restoration completed in early 2020. Visitors can now experience the original reception rooms and bedroom, restored to their former glory with original furniture, paintings, and objets d’art. In total, nearly 100 items from the Musée de l’École de Nancy’s collection are on display, supplemented by identical pieces sourced to recreate the authentic ambiance.
Enhancing the Visitor Experience
Villa Majorelle has been transformed into a vibrant cultural site with additional reception areas and guide materials catering to diverse audiences. Guided tours, offered since 2007, have proven popular, reflecting public fascination with this architectural gem. Planned future works for 2021–2022 will add educational spaces, a recreated bathroom and wardrobe, and the restoration of Louis Majorelle’s second-floor studio—all without closing the villa to visitors.
Practical Information
- Opening Hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday:
- Mornings (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Groups
- Afternoons (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Individual visitors
- Closed on: 1 January, 1 May, 14 July, 1 November, and 25 December
- Wednesday to Sunday:
Villa Majorelle stands as a testament to the creativity of the Art Nouveau movement, offering an immersive exploration of the artist’s family life and cultural contributions.
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