Hector Guimard is best-known for his designs for the Paris Métro, which are so emblematic of the French Art Nouveau style that it was sometimes referred to as “le style Métro.” Representing a radical break from the classical and revival styles of the nineteenth century, Art Nouveau embraced natural forms while integrating architecture with the decorative and fine arts. “Hector Guimard: Art Nouveau to Modernism” explores Guimard’s commitment to sharing beautiful, sensuous, accessible designs for both civic architecture and everyday objects with a wide audience, as well as Guimard’s modern entrepreneurial approach to promoting his work through Le Style Guimard branding and his use of mass-production technologies. The show also explores the critical role played by his wife and collaborator Adeline Oppenheim Guimard, presenting new scholarship that underscores her critical role as her husband’s creative partner during his lifetime and ardent steward of his legacy.

To provide access to “Hector Guimard: Art Nouveau to Modernism” while the Driehaus Museum’s elevator is out of commission during the Murphy Auditorium renovations, we’re offering live-streamed, virtual tours of the exhibition on October 3 and 24. The event is free, but registration is still required at least 24 hours in advance so you can receive the Zoom link. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions during this interactive experience.

This virtual tour is a partnership with Tours With Mike who makes architecture, design, and history fun and interesting through his in-person and virtual experiences. Mike was a volunteer docent with the Chicago Architecture Center for 15 years, and he also has a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in real estate, urban planning, and finance.