Ever noticed the Paris Métro entrances and wondered who turned them into works of art? Meet Hector Guimard—a visionary architect who didn’t just design structures; he transformed everyday urban spaces into immersive works of art.
Now, Paris is set to honor his legacy in a lasting way. In late 2027 or early 2028, the French capital will welcome a permanent museum dedicated to him, housed in one of Guimard’s own masterpieces, the Hôtel Mezzara in the 16th arrondissement. This new cultural landmark will not only celebrate his architectural genius but also shine a spotlight on a long-overlooked chapter of Parisian design history.
We at 56Paris Real Estate are always thrilled to hear about initiatives like this that underline how much the City of Light invests in the culture that has made it the uniquely attractive place it is.
Who Was Hector Guimard?
Even if his name doesn’t ring a bell, you’ve certainly encountered Guimard’s work. The sinuous, floral cast-iron entrances to the Paris Métro—with their organic curves, delicate glass canopies, and hallmark “Métropolitain” lettering—are among the city’s most iconic visual signatures. Designed between 1900 and 1913, Guimard’s entrances all of a sudden brought Art Nouveau into the public realm with a flourish, transforming the experience of urban transit into an artistic encounter.
A total of around 150 Guimard metro entrances were created, of which 88 still exist today, almost all of which have been protected as Historic Monuments since 1978 and have become symbols of Paris, transcending the identity of the metro itself.
But Guimard (1867–1942) was more than a designer of Métro portals. A true Art Nouveau polymath, he created buildings, interiors, furniture, and decorative objects—all conceived as harmonious, total works of art. His philosophy was about crafting not just structures, but lifestyles imbued with elegance, modernity, and organic beauty.
The Hôtel Mezzara: A Museum Within a Masterpiece
Fittingly, the upcoming museum will be housed in Guimard’s own Hôtel Mezzara, a striking townhouse he designed in 1910 for textile magnate Paul Mezzara. Tucked into a quiet residential street in 16th arrondissement, this Art Nouveau jewel has long been hidden in plain sight—wedged between taller buildings, yet unmistakably luminous with its curvilinear glass roof, wrought iron staircase, and richly detailed interiors.
More than just a beautiful backdrop, the building is itself a key exhibit. Guimard envisioned architecture as a “total art,” and the Hôtel Mezzara is a living example of this approach—from its exterior façades to the dining room’s original furniture, which still remains in situ. A listed historic monument since 2016, the mansion has been vacant since 2015, after decades as a girls’ boarding school. Now, thanks to a 50-year lease secured by two passionate preservationists, it is poised to become the world’s first permanent museum dedicated to Guimard.
Guimard emigrated to the United States during World War II and died in relative obscurity in 1942. After his death, his widow, the artist Adeline Oppenheim Guimard, worked to preserve his legacy by donating drawings, furniture, and other works. Yet many of Guimard’s creations were lost, demolished, or discarded as Art Nouveau fell out of fashion and Europe embraced modernism. It wasn’t until decades later that a new wave of admirers began to reassess his contribution to architecture and design.
A Passion Project Decades in the Making
The museum is the fruit of a long and tireless effort led by Le Cercle Guimard, a nonprofit founded in 2003 to preserve and promote the architect’s legacy. Partnering with Fabien Choné, a collector and founder of Hector Guimard Diffusion, the group spent over two decades fighting for this vision—enduring setbacks through multiple government calls for tenders and rejections.
What finally broke the stalemate? A compelling proposal, deep expertise, and significant private investment. Choné has pledged over €6 million to restore the mansion, working closely with artisans, heritage architects, and state preservation services. The plan, which will begin in 2026, includes not only a faithful restoration of the building’s interiors and façade but also the addition of a café in the garden and immersive digital installations, including a virtual reality experience recreating Guimard’s tragically lost Humbert de Romans concert hall, which was also located in the 16th arrondissement and is considered one of his masterpieces.
What to Expect from the Guimard Museum
The museum will offer a curated journey through Guimard’s life and work, with
- A collection of more than 100 objects from Choné’s private trove, including rare ceramics, original Métro signage, furniture, and architectural elements.
- The archives of Le Cercle Guimard, with photographs, drawings, and documents tracing his career.
- Reissues of Guimard designs available for purchase—created by skilled craftspeople using historic techniques.
- An immersive VR experience that brings to life Guimard’s boldest lost project: the soaring concert hall he built in 1901, later destroyed.
The museum aims not only to preserve Guimard’s heritage but also to reposition Paris as a key destination to see European Art Nouveau, alongside cities such as Brussels, Vienna, and Barcelona.
“Interior of Hôtel Mezzara” by O.Taris, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Why This Matters for Paris
In many ways, this museum is about more than Guimard. It represents a renewed appreciation for Paris’s Belle Époque—that moment at the turn of the late 19th to early 20th century when the city led the world in design, innovation, and urban beauty. Guimard’s legacy had long suffered from neglect; his once-radical style later fell out of favor, and many of his Métro entrances were demolished. But time has been kind to Art Nouveau, and a new generation of admirers is helping to restore his rightful place in design history.
At 56Paris Real Estate, we deeply value these efforts to preserve and celebrate Paris’s heritage. Like Guimard, we believe that true elegance lies in harmony—between history and modernity, form and function, creativity and craftsmanship. These are the same qualities we seek in the properties we represent: homes that tell a story, rooted in the city’s remarkable architectural tradition yet perfectly attuned to contemporary living.
The Guimard Museum stands as a reminder that in Paris, beauty is never static—it evolves, inspires, and endures. And for those who dream of making this city their home, that enduring beauty is something to live within every day.
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