The Musée des arts décoratifs et du design (MADD) in Bordeaux has reopened its design-focused wing after three years of renovation, featuring a new entrance pavilion designed by Antoine Dufour Architectes that connects the historic Hôtel de Lalande and the former municipal prison. The overhaul includes a monumental shelving display of eighty vases by designers such as Andrea Branzi and Gaetano Pesce, a new "gallery of know-how" dedicated to rotating thematic presentations (starting with ceramics), a graphic arts cabinet showcasing the Jacques Sargos collection of over 130 drawings, and improved climate control for conservation.
This renovation matters because it transforms the visitor experience by creating a fluid, light-filled circulation route between the decorative arts and design collections, while also addressing long-standing logistical issues like inadequate welcome space. The MADD's modernization positions it as a more dynamic institution in Bordeaux's cultural landscape, with flexible exhibition spaces that can rotate content regularly and highlight under-displayed works from its permanent collection, thereby strengthening the museum's role in preserving and presenting design heritage.