Tue, 9.6.2026
7 PM
7 PM
Opening
MAK – Museum of Applied Arts
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The major exhibition brings together unique and rarely seen objects from the MAK Col-lection with jewelry artistry from the 120-year history of the High Jewelry Maison founded on Paris’ Place Vendôme in 1906.
10.6.2026—27.9.2026
Lower Exhibition Hall
This project is the result of a vibrant exchange between Van Cleef & Arpels and the MAK, brought together by a shared passion and appreci-ation for exceptional design and peerless craftsmanship.
Through this collaboration, the MAK’s famous collection objects—from medieval textiles to the Wiener Werkstätte’s ingenious designs—engage in a dialogue with the Van Cleef & Arpels patrimonial Collection, which comprises more than 3,000 high jewelry and jewelry creations, timepieces as well as precious objects. What primarily unites the approximately 500 selected objects—more than 300 from the Van Cleef & Arpels Collection and another 200+ from the MAK Collection—is their exceptional craftsmanship, visionary design, and the materials utilized. The pairings also reveal surprising parallels in form, color, and motifs, which often stem from similar sources of inspiration.
Through this collaboration, the MAK’s famous collection objects—from medieval textiles to the Wiener Werkstätte’s ingenious designs—engage in a dialogue with the Van Cleef & Arpels patrimonial Collection, which comprises more than 3,000 high jewelry and jewelry creations, timepieces as well as precious objects. What primarily unites the approximately 500 selected objects—more than 300 from the Van Cleef & Arpels Collection and another 200+ from the MAK Collection—is their exceptional craftsmanship, visionary design, and the materials utilized. The pairings also reveal surprising parallels in form, color, and motifs, which often stem from similar sources of inspiration.
© Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
© Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
© MAK/Georg Mayer
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The exhibition scenography, designed by Parisian architecture studio Atelier Tsuyoshi Tane, takes the form of a labyrinth, sending visitors on a journey of discovery through six thematic areas. In “Wanderlust,” the visitor explores distant lands and cultures. The stroll continues, revealing the aesthetic appeal of architectural forms. In the chapter “Rhythmic Design,” diverse patterns and dynamic structures are emphasized. The fourth halt is dedicated to the stage and illustrates classic Viennese themes such as opera, dance, and music. At the heart of the wander, the fifth section highlights transformability and trompe l’œil. The promenade concludes with a display of how artists and jewelers celebrate the beauty of an ephemeral nature and the cosmic universe.
A comprehensive catalog will accompany the exhibition, published by the MAK and Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring texts by the MAK and the High Jewelry Maison’s experts, and designed by the Vienna-based graphic studio Bueronardin.
A comprehensive catalog will accompany the exhibition, published by the MAK and Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring texts by the MAK and the High Jewelry Maison’s experts, and designed by the Vienna-based graphic studio Bueronardin.
Guest Curator, Van Cleef & Arpels:
Alexandrine Maviel-Sonet, Patrimony and Exhibitions Director
MAK Curator:
Anne-Katrin Rossberg; Curator, MAK Metal Collection and Wiener Werkstätte Archive
Media
Zip necklace, 1955 Transformable into a bracelet Platinum, yellow gold, emeralds, diamonds © Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
Chrysanthemum clip, 1937 Platinum, yellow gold, Mystery Set rubies, diamonds © Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
Koloman Moser, folding screen, 1906 Wood, gold and marbled paper, decorative edging © MAK/Georg Mayer