Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design de Bordeaux

Museum in Bordeaux

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Dark Attsios

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design (MADD) in Bordeaux is a prominent institution dedicated to showcasing decorative arts and design. Housed in the Hôtel de Lalande, an elegant 18th-century mansion built between 1775 and 1779 for Pierre de Raymond de Lalande, a parliamentary counselor, the museum exemplifies Bordeaux’s architectural heritage. Over the centuries, the building has served various purposes, including housing police services and a municipal prison constructed in 1885 in the former garden area. In 1924, it was repurposed as the Musée d’Art Ancien, later becoming the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in 1955. In 2013, under the direction of Constance Rubini, the institution embraced design, reflecting its commitment to both historical and contemporary applied arts.

The museum’s collection encompasses approximately 33,000 works spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day. These include furniture, ceramics, glassware, silverware, musical instruments, and graphic arts, illustrating the evolution of decorative arts and design in France and particularly in Bordeaux. Notable collections feature 18th-century Bordeaux faience, Art Nouveau and Art Deco pieces, and contemporary design objects. The museum also manages the Jeanvrot collection, which comprises artifacts related to the Bourbon Restoration and colonial history.

In January 2023, MADD closed temporarily for extensive renovation work aimed at modernizing its facilities and enhancing the visitor experience. During this period, the museum continues its activities through off-site exhibitions and online programs, maintaining engagement with the public and promoting design culture. The reopening is anticipated in early 2026, promising revitalized spaces that honor both the historical significance of the Hôtel de Lalande and contemporary museological practices.

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design de Bordeaux appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bordeaux!

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