Exploring the Art Nouveau Heartland of France: A Journey through Nancy

Nancy's Art Nouveau Treasures: A Journey Through Time

Nestled in the heart of Lorraine, France, lies the city of Nancy – a city that once served as the stylistic centre of French Art Nouveau. This vibrant city, marked by its rich history and architectural beauty, offers a unique journey through time for visitors.

Built in 1901, the Villa Majorelle, a residence for furniture designer Louis Majorelle, stands as a testament to the era. The villa, a total work of art, is adorned with Art Nouveau decorations, a style that flourished in Nancy due to the influx of intellectuals, industrialists, and wealthy citizens who moved there after the Franco-Prussian War.

The Saurupt district, a quiet and picturesque neighbourhood, is home to numerous Art Nouveau buildings. Facade elements or cornerstones of buildings often bear the names of architects, such as Émile André at the Villa Les Glycines. The district was a hub of creativity, with noble villas lining its streets from 1900 to about 1930, featuring a mix of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles.

Émile Gallé, a local glass artist, played a significant role in this creative boom. He developed new techniques for glassblowing in Nancy and founded the École de Nancy in 1901, along with other artists. The Crédit Lyonnais Bank in Nancy boasts an impressive glass roof covering 250 square meters, created by Jacques Gruber, one of the co-founders of the École de Nancy.

However, the city's Art Nouveau heritage has faced challenges. Many buildings were destroyed during World War II and urban renewal in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, Nancy has a higher density of Art Nouveau buildings than Paris, with estimates suggesting there were up to 250 buildings a century ago, compared to 50 today.

Despite these losses, Nancy's Art Nouveau legacy remains vibrant. The nearly six-kilometer-long Art Nouveau route takes about three hours for a self-guided tour. The tour begins at Place Stanislas, a square measuring 106 meters by 124 meters, and is marked with a Ginkgo leaf, a symbol of Art Nouveau.

Place Stanislas is also the starting point for tours of Nancy's greatest treasures, including Art Nouveau and Art Deco period artworks. The Brasserie Excelsior, opened in 1911, is a must-visit. Despite being at risk of demolition, it survived due to protests and was placed under historic protection. The brasserie features stained glass windows by Jacques Gruber, furniture by Louis Majorelle, and lamps from the Daum manufactory, all in the Art Nouveau style.

Another gem is the guest house "Myon" of Madame Martine Quénot, which contains numerous flower vases decorated with floral symbols, typical of the Art Nouveau style.

In 2025, Nancy will celebrate the centennial of the international exhibition of modern decorative art and applied arts, titled "Nancy 1925" at the Musée des Beaux-Arts. This event will explore the connection between Art Nouveau and Art Deco, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the city's rich artistic history.

In Nancy, each corner tells a story, and each building is a testament to the city's artistic spirit. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply a curious traveller, Nancy's Art Nouveau route promises an unforgettable journey through time.