Musée de l'École de Nancy: A Belle Époque Treasure

The Musée de l'École de Nancy is one of the few French museums dedicated to the Art Nouveau movement. Founded in 1901, the École de Nancy brought together artists, architects, and industrialists to promote Lorraine's decorative arts. The museum, which opened to the public in 1964, is located in the former property of Eugène Corbin, the most important collector and patron of the École de Nancy.The museum's collections feature furniture, art objects, glassware, ceramics and textiles. Key artists showcased include Émile Gallé, Louis Majorelle, Victor Prouvé, and Antonin Daum. Visitors can explore period rooms recreated in the Art Nouveau style, including a bedroom, bathroom, study, and dining room. A highlight is the dining room designed by Eugène Vallin, though some find its reduced size and dark ambiance somewhat overwhelming. The museum's garden features plant species favored by École de Nancy artists, as well as an aquarium.The museum's origins trace back to 1884, with the emergence of a Nancy-based circle dedicated to decorative arts. Eugène Corbin played a major role in promoting the work of local artists and industrialists. In 1935, Corbin donated 759 works to the city, forming the basis of the museum's collection. After being stored during World War II and damaged in a 1947 flood, the collection found a permanent home in Corbin's former residence. The museum officially opened in 1964, coinciding with a renewed interest in Art Nouveau.