Pauline Deltour retrospective opens at renovated MADD Bordeaux
MADD Bordeaux has partially reopened after three years of restoration, uniting an 18th-century townhouse and a 19th-century prison. The venue now hosts 'Pauline Deltour: An Apparent Simplicity', a retrospective of the French designer (1983–2021) featuring 180 designs. The exhibition, on view until 21 September 2026, occupies former prison courtyards turned galleries, with metal-and-glass ceilings contrasting original limestone walls. Scenography by Konstantin Grcic and Caroline Perret (CPWH) uses large photographs and dynamic compositions. Deltour's work spans metal, porcelain, textiles, and tech, with mass-produced projects like 'A Tempo' for Alessi launching her career. A reconstruction of her design office displays sketch-filled notebooks. The show includes collaborations with Arita, Puiforcat, Cire Trudon, JEM, COR, Offecct, Hem, Tolix, Vitra, Fabernovel, Sogo & Seibu, La Poste, Moustache, and Hôtel Les Touquets. A monograph accompanies the exhibition.
Key facts
- MADD Bordeaux partially reopened after three years of restoration.
- Restoration directed by Antoine Dufour Architectes.
- Two classified Monuments Historiques buildings united: late-18th-century townhouse and late-19th-century municipal prison.
- Exhibition 'Pauline Deltour: An Apparent Simplicity' runs until 21 September 2026.
- 180 designs including prototypes over ten years.
- Deltour studied at ENSAD Paris and worked at Konstantin Grcic's studio in Munich.
- Scenography by Konstantin Grcic and Caroline Perret (CPWH).
- A monograph of the same title published for the occasion.
- Deltour's career launched with 'A Tempo' collection for Alessi.
- Exhibition includes reconstruction of Pauline Deltour Design Office.
- Collaborations featured: Arita, Puiforcat, Cire Trudon, JEM, COR, Offecct, Hem, Tolix, Vitra, Fabernovel, Sogo & Seibu, La Poste, Moustache, Hôtel Les Touquets.
Entities
Artists
- Pauline Deltour
- Konstantin Grcic
- Caroline Perret
- Etienne Tornier
- Minako Norimatsu
Institutions
- MADD (Musée Des Arts Décoratifs Et Du Design)
- ENSAD (École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs)
- Antoine Dufour Architectes
- CPWH
- Alessi
- Arita
- Puiforcat
- Cire Trudon
- JEM
- COR Sitzmöbel
- Offecct
- Hem
- Tolix
- Vitra
- Fabernovel
- Sogo & Seibu
- La Poste
- Moustache
- Hôtel Les Touquets
- Ministry of Culture
- Wallpaper*
Locations
- Bordeaux
- France
- Paris
- Munich
- Germany