Decorative Cities

Museums and galleries around the world play a vital role in preserving and celebrating the rich and multifaceted legacy of the Art Nouveau movement. These cultural institutions serve not only as guardians of history but also as dynamic spaces for education, inspiration, and discovery. Through meticulously curated exhibitions, visitors are invited to trace the movement’s origins in the late 19th century, follow its flourishing across Europe and beyond, and understand its lasting influence on modern design and architecture.

What makes the experience even more immersive is that several of these museums are housed in buildings that are themselves exquisite examples of Art Nouveau architecture. Walking through these spaces, visitors are surrounded not only by objects of beauty but by the very aesthetic ideals the movement championed: harmony with nature, ornamental detail, and a sense of organic flow. Stained glass windows, wrought iron railings, floral motifs, and elegantly curved staircases turn a museum visit into a step back in time.

In addition to permanent collections, many galleries host temporary exhibitions that explore the works of key figures such as Hector Guimard, Alphonse Mucha, Antoni Gaudí, and Émile Gallé, as well as lesser-known regional artists and designers. These exhibitions often highlight the international character of Art Nouveau, showing how it took on unique local expressions in cities like Paris, Brussels, Vienna, Barcelona, Glasgow, and Riga.

Whether you are a seasoned art lover or a curious newcomer, these museums and galleries offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore the depth and diversity of Art Nouveau. Below, we’ve compiled a list of notable institutions where you can dive deeper into this remarkable movement and see firsthand how it continues to inspire and resonate in both historical and contemporary contexts.