The Art of the Automobile exhibition
Paris, France
MUSÉE DES ARTS DÉCORATIFS
Scenography: WILMOTTE & ASSOCIÉS ARCHITECTES
RODOLPHE RAPETTI
2011
Set design for the "The Art of the Automobile - Masterpieces from the Ralph Lauren Collection" exhibition at the Musee des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.
For the first time in Europe, the Musee des Arts Décoratifs has chosen to exhibit part of Ralph Lauren's automobile collection, one of the most prestigious in the world. 17 vintage cars demonstrate the art of the automobile and the skills associated with it.
Seventeen exceptional cars, chosen by exhibition curator Rodolphe Rapetti and staged by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, trace the major stages in European motoring history. Each of these exceptional vehicles has been designed as a masterpiece, combining technological innovation and bold styling.
The competition cars occupy the main nave and are presented in chronological order, from 1929 to 1962. Level 3 is then home to cars from the Art Deco movement. Level 6 presents two concept cars made from carbon fibre, a material first used in aeronautics. Levels 7 to 9 are devoted to the period 1940-1990. Throughout the visit, the kinetic and sonic aspects of the vehicles are brought to life by films and recordings.
