Yes, you have a bit of time of you want to see this new exhibition! Or perhaps – if you’re an animal and art lover – you’ll want to see it over and over again? As the title suggests, it’s a mix of subjects, styles and eras with one thing in common… animals: furniture, tableware, fashion, fabrics, toys, posters, jewellery… Grrr!

Affiche Peugeot, 1928 Lithographie couleur Georges Favre Gaillard Affiche © Les Arts Décoratifs. Photo : Jean Tholance

It’s not often that the Musée de Arts Décoratifs renews a large part of its exhibition space (the ‘galerie d’études’) so it’s worth taking note of the new exhibition ‘Animal’ as it looks pretty interesting.

There are seven themes: animals as subject, finery, form and décor, as well as animals as the mirror of Man, animals as heroes and animals as monsters.

Adhésif Zoo Éléphant , 2006 Adrien Gardère Domestic © Les Arts Décoratifs. Photo : Jean Tholance

Drawing from the museum’s large and diverse collection of clothes, wallpaper, publicity, objects, furniture and toys, it’s a divers and stimulating presentation that show how a common theme can result in an extraordinary range of results.

Guided visits are available, as well as workshops for kids. A 208-page catalogue has also been published.

Veste, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, vers 1985 Fausse fourrure © Les Arts Décoratifs. Photo : Jean Tholance

The Animal exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (here) can been seen until 30th November 2011. Open every day form 11am – 6pm (last ticket at 5.30pm). Late night opening on Thursdays until 9pm (last ticket 8.30pm) Admission: 9€ / 7,50€.

Official site: www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr

Boîte en forme de souris, XVIIIe siècle Manufacture de Mennecy © Les Arts Décoratifs. Photo : Jean Tholance