An Architectural Guide to Paris & London

Located on Avenue Rapp within the 7th arrondissement of Paris, the Lavirotte building is a genuine Art Nouveau delight, with an imposing facade that is replete with curves and striking embellishment. Designed by architect Jules Lavirotte -and completed between 1899 and 1901- this grand apartment building clearly stands out. Do not miss the statement sculpture decorating its overall facade, as well as the joyful beauty of its colorful ceramic tiles.

Paris’s iconic Métro entrances, designed by Hector Guimard between 1900 and 1913, are enduring symbols of Art Nouveau heritage. You can find their elegant glass canopies and cast-iron curves at stations like Tuileries, Anvers, Quatre-Septembre, and Porte d’Italie. Many are now protected monuments, while intriguing replicas and originals- can also be spotted outside of France.

When it opened to the public in 1903, London's Harrods Meat & Fish Hall was highly praised by visitors for its stunning blend of Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts design. Created by architect William Neatby, a student of William Morris, it features a rare tiled ceiling and an ornate frieze showcasing charming scenes of sheep and fish. Today, it continues to captivate international guests with its timeless beauty and rich history.

Every Art Nouveau aficionado swears by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. Its emblematic collection emphasizes the global nature of the Art Nouveau movement and how it conquered Europe, as well as the United States. Make sure not to miss key works -ranging from furniture and sculpture to wallpaper and illustration- signed by the likes of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Henri van de Velde, Walter Crane, Louis Majorelle and Josef Hoffmann, to name a few.