Grasse: "De la Belle Époque aux années folles" exhibit to rediscover the worldwide capital of perfume

Grasse, a small town in France whose destiny and history have been closely linked to perfume, became well-known worldwide over the years for its production of jasmine, and other fragrances, such as myrtle, lavender, rose, and mimosa.

Although already by the 17th century Grasse citizens earned the reputation as notable perfumers, it wasn’t until the industrial revolution that the small town’s worldwide reputation was confirmed and amplified.

With an exhibit titled “De la Belle Époque aux années folles – La parfurmerie au tournant du XXè siècle”running until the end of September 2016, the International Perfume Museum together with the International Perfume Museum Gardens celebrates this era.

The exhibit starts with the Art Nouveau movement in the 1880’s, with the works of Hector Guimard and Louis Majorelle and their revolutionary art, new in the materials, pattern and style, used in the luxury goods industry, from furniture to perfume. It then moves on to the twenties, featuring new industrial techniques - the period just after World War I, a time of reconstruction in Europe, with women actively entering the professional workforce. In 1914, clothing and perfumery were shown together for the first time at the World’s Fair in Lyon, and in 1921, Gabrielle Chanel launched her own brand of perfume, legendary Chanel No. 5.

Throughout this journey, the exhibit shows a prestigious collection of bottles, posters and powder boxes with videos and interactive terminals which provide historical information.

At the same time, the International Perfume Museum Gardens exhibit plants in style at the turn of the century for their olfactory or visual properties.

 “De la Belle Epoque aux années folles – La parfurmerie au tournant du XXè siècle” runs until the 30^th of September.

The International Perfume Museum is open every day from 10 am to 7 pm, tickets €6 for the Summer exhibit.

The International Perfume Museum gardens are open daily from 10 am to 7 pm (10 am to 5:30 pm starting September 1^st), tickets €4.

For more information:

Musée International de la Parfumerie

Boulevard du Jeu de Ballon
06130 Grasse

Tel: + 33 4 97 05 58 00