The Petit Palais Takes Visitors Back to School with Art

The Petit Palais presents 'School in Images — Parisian Decors from the 1930s,' an exhibition focusing on the history of interior design from preschools and primary schools in Paris. Starting in the 1880s and going up until 1935, the exhibit showcases 80 models that highlight the role of decor in the diffusion of knowledge and pedagogy as well as the construction of a children's environment.

These decorative works were commissioned by the City of Paris in the 19th century, with the mission to project simplicity, happiness and youth. In 1932, the Paris city council voted to allocate 10 million French francs towards creation and art in order to combat the negative effects of the economic crisis. This infusion of funds enabled public schools to enhance and modernize their decors. Many techniques were used to decorate the schools, including mural painting and fresco.

Guests staying at one of the Sister Hotels Champs-Elysées can discover the artistic contributions made to Parisian schools at the Petit Palais's exhibition, which runs from October 22, 2013 until February 9, 2014. Located in the 8th arrondissement, the Petit Palais is right next to the Champs-Elysées, making it easily accessible for hotel guests.

The exhibit was created to be interactive and is suitable for both children and adults. Visitors will journey through the typical spaces of a school, like the classroom and the schoolyard, which have been decorated in not-so-typical ways. As a result, adults can rediscover their childhood memories and children can discover new learning environments.