Could these walls speak what tales would they tell? We are standing before the Mus\u00e9e des Arts D\u00e9coratifs de la Fa\u00efence et de la Mode. It is located in Marseille. This museum is more than just a building. It is a portal. It transports you to a world of art. It showcases decorative items and high fashion. Let’s step inside and unravel its history.
The Mus\u00e9e des Arts D\u00e9coratifs de la Fa\u00efence et de la Mode opened its doors on June 15 2013. It resides within the Ch\u00e2teau Bor\u00e9ly. The address is 132 Avenue Clot-Bey. The museum houses collections from several former museums. These include the Mus\u00e9e de la Fa\u00efence de Marseille, the Fashion Museum, and the decorative arts collections of the Mus\u00e9e Cantini. Also included are items from the Museum of Old Marseille and furniture from Bor\u00e9ly.
Imagine the sheer volume of artifacts. The Mus\u00e9e des Arts D\u00e9coratifs de la Fa\u00efence et de la Mode boasts an impressive inventory. It contains 200 pieces of furniture. There are 563 decorative art objects and 750 ceramic pieces. Fashion items number 5600 and accessories add up to 1600. Lastly there are 100 perfume bottles.
Ch\u00e2teau Bor\u00e9ly itself has quite a story. It was built in the second half of the 18th century. The ch\u00e2teau reflects Marseille’s history. It shows a time when wealthy merchants transformed the city. These families built grand country estates known as bastides. This one in Bonneveine was considered one of the most beautiful.
The ch\u00e2teau retains much of its original decor. Highlights include the gilded salon. The library the bedroom and the chapel are other highlights. The Mus\u00e9e des Arts D\u00e9coratifs de la Fa\u00efence et de la Mode presents the art of living. It shows how a grand family lived in the 18th century. The museum features period rooms and study galleries. It has new spaces that display ceramics, glass furniture and art objects. You’ll find design pieces and fashion items too. Contemporary works include Mathieu Lehanneur’s grand vestibule chandelier. It is designed as a rope of light through the ceiling.
The Mus\u00e9e des Arts D\u00e9coratifs de la Fa\u00efence et de la Mode had varying visitor numbers. In 2013 it welcomed 47040 visitors. The number dropped to 40608 in 2015. In 2019 there were 36843 visitors.
Consider the museum’s layout. The ground floor features several rooms. The vestibule displays a cabinet with ebony and black pear wood. It depicts mythological scenes. Statues of Flore and C\u00e9r\u00e8s flank the grand salon entrance. The grand salon held receptions for the Bor\u00e9ly family. It has plasterwork with floral garlands. Blue and white faience from the 17th and 18th centuries is exhibited. Marseille began faience production in 1679. Joseph Cl\u00e9rissy established a factory.
The north dining room has panels painted by Louis Chaix. They depict heroes from Jerusalem Delivered. A table is set to show a Bor\u00e9ly-era reception. The small bath cabinet includes an alcove. Sixteen miniature paintings are displayed. The bathroom holds perfume bottles. The gilded salon is the ch\u00e2teau’s most lavish room along with the chapel. It features a long sofa called a radassi\u00e8re. Louis Chaix’s The Abduction of the Sabine Women hangs above it.
The ceramics gallery presents Marseille faience. Production flourished in the 18th century. Displays focus on various themes. These themes are green glaze fish decor animated details and rocaille style.
The company salon features Italian polychrome leather wall hangings. Faience from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is exhibited. The south dining room’s plasterwork depicts the five senses. Porcelain from the Pierre and Lison Jourdan-Barry collection is displayed. Faience from Veuve Perrin and Honor\u00e9 Savy is also present.
Upstairs the hall features Italian-style architectural decor. Statues of ancient women adorn niches. Magdalena Gerber’s plates depict the ch\u00e2teau’s restoration. Louis Chaix painted the ceiling with a scene of Apollo. The grand salon hosts temporary exhibitions. The formal bedroom has Indian-style panels. It contains valuable furniture. The boudoir leads to the chapel. The chapel is dedicated to Saint Louis. Marble bas-reliefs by Jean Joseph Foucou depict his life. The small salon presents an Art Nouveau collection. Items include furniture ceramics and glass from the early 20th century. Madame’s room is dedicated to c\u00e9ramiste Th\u00e9odore Deck.
As you leave the Mus\u00e9e des Arts D\u00e9coratifs de la Fa\u00efence et de la Mode reflect on its treasures. It protects Marseille’s cultural heritage. It offers a glimpse into the past. It inspires creativity.