The Musée d'Orsay is offering a unique exhibition, “Art is in the Street”, exploring the impact of posters on Parisian public space at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century.
An exceptional exhibition in the heart of and in Paris
Of March 18 to July 6, 2025this exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay brings together nearly 300 works from the collection of the National Library of France. This initiative constitutes a first for Paris on this scale, highlighting the rise of posters as an artistic and social expression. Through masters such as Bonnard, Chéret and Mucha, the exhibition immerses visitors in a time when the street became a veritable art gallery.
The poster, a reflection of urban transformation
The posters on display bear witness to the evolution of modern societies, marked by the appearance of grand boulevards and the rise of urban leisure. Advertisements for shows, avant-garde paintings or political demonstrations, these works illustrate an era when art entered public space and transformed the visual landscape of the city. The creations of the artists presented transcend simple advertising to become cultural icons, shaping the collective imagination.
An avant-garde serving the streets
The poster at the turn of the 20th century reflects a major change: art leaves museums to invade the walls. This public use of art is becoming more democratic thanks to technical advances, allowing large-scale printing. The exhibition also highlights the role of posters in the emancipation of ideas, particularly within anarchist and libertarian circles.
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France
