Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris — Photo: Moktarama / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 3.0

Gustave Fayet at the Fondation Louis Vuitton: A Journey into Modern Art

From October 9, 2026 to March 8, 2027, the Fondation Louis Vuitton celebrates Gustave Fayet, an extraordinary collector, artist and influential figure in the history of modern art. A remarkable exhibition to discover during a stay in Paris, from Saint-Germain-des-Prés to the Bois de Boulogne.

Paris has always been a city to explore through its museums, galleries and exhibitions. This autumn, a new cultural highlight joins the Parisian calendar: “Gustave Fayet, Collector – Creator. Icons of Modern Art,” presented at the Fondation Louis Vuitton.

For art lovers staying in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the exhibition offers a wonderful opportunity to venture beyond the Left Bank for an afternoon and discover one of the major artistic events of the season.

Gustave Fayet: a visionary collector

The name Gustave Fayet may be less familiar than those of Van Gogh, Gauguin or Redon. Yet his story is closely connected to the development of modern art.

Born in 1865, Fayet was much more than a collector. He was also a painter, watercolorist, ceramicist, designer and creator of decorative arts. Fascinated by the artistic movements of his time, he became one of the early collectors of Vincent van Gogh and played an important role in bringing recognition to Paul Gauguin.

His collection once included more than 750 major works of modern art. Today, the Fondation Louis Vuitton brings together an exceptional selection, allowing visitors to rediscover the remarkable vision of this passionate and forward-thinking collector.

Van Gogh, Gauguin, Redon and the great names of modern art

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the reunion of works that once belonged to Gustave Fayet's collection.

The exhibition brings together 10 works by Vincent van Gogh, 78 works by Paul Gauguin and 86 works by Odilon Redon, alongside works by Degas, Cézanne, Toulouse-Lautrec, Renoir, Berthe Morisot, Signac, Bonnard, Vuillard and Matisse.

Among the most eagerly awaited works is Vincent van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear and Pipe, painted in 1889. The painting had not been exhibited in France since 1937 and had not been lent for an exhibition since 1990.

Another exceptional moment is the reunion of three major works by Paul Gauguin: The Yellow Christ, Self-Portrait with the Yellow Christ and The Breton Calvary. Presented together in France for the first time, these paintings illustrate the important role Fayet played in the artist's recognition.

A collector, but also an artist

The exhibition goes beyond Gustave Fayet's collection.

It also presents more than 300 of his own creations, many of which have never previously been shown to the public and have been specially restored for the exhibition.

Paintings, watercolors, ceramics, carpets, textiles, wallpapers, costumes and illustrations reveal the extraordinary breadth of his creative universe.

For Fayet, art did not simply belong on the walls of a museum. It could also become part of everyday life and interior decoration.

This aspect of the exhibition offers a fascinating insight into the transition between Art Nouveau and Art Deco, when artists, designers, decorators and collectors were all contributing to a new vision of art and the art of living.

An exhibition designed as a journey into Fayet’s world

For this exhibition, the Fondation Louis Vuitton has entrusted the scenography to Robert Carsen, who has created an immersive journey through Fayet's world, using colour, atmosphere and space to bring the different facets of his work to life.

The exhibition unfolds throughout the Fondation's galleries and explores two complementary sides of his personality: Fayet the collector and Fayet the creator.

Visitors are invited not only to admire the works he gathered, but also to discover his eye, his passions and his desire to bring fine art and decorative arts together.

A cultural escape from Saint-Germain-des-Prés

From Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a visit to the Gustave Fayet exhibition can easily become part of a full day dedicated to art, culture and the Parisian way of life.

After a leisurely Parisian breakfast, begin with a stroll along the Left Bank, explore its galleries and bookshops, then make your way to the Fondation Louis Vuitton for the exhibition.

Located at 8 avenue du Mahatma Gandhi in the 16th arrondissement, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is itself worth the journey. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, its spectacular glass sails have become an iconic part of contemporary Paris.

After the exhibition, return to Saint-Germain-des-Prés and discover another side of Paris: charming streets, elegant boutiques, historic bookshops, cafés and restaurants.