Council chamber, Mairie RoeunMaxime Old has combined excellent craftsmanship with functional modernity. Inspired by his master Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann, he has developed a style where precision of form and sensuality of materials meet. He plays with exotic woods, brass, glass and refined fabrics to create timeless furniture. Unlike other designers of his era, he favours bespoke creations rather than industrial production, giving each piece a unique identity.
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Archive Maxime Old ParisRouen bears a strong imprint of Maxime Old’s work, notably through two major projects. Firstly, the Municipal Council Chamber at the Hôtel de Ville, a spectacular conversion, carried out during the Reconstruction period over a period of 3 years, where precious wood and metal mingle in perfect harmony. Then, the Halle aux Toiles, where he designed bespoke furniture and rethought the lighting, offering a subtle dialogue between modernity and heritage, while sublimating the public spaces, making them functional and welcoming.
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Council chamber, Mairie Roeun
Council chamber, Mairie RoeunFrom 28 June 2025 to 5 January 2026, this exceptional exhibition plunges you into the heart of the Old style through a hundred pieces of furniture, including some never before exhibited. Reconstructions of interiors and “thematic cabinets” allow visitors to touch, observe and experience the materials and forms that make his work so singular (from exotic woods to brass and remarkable fabrics). One of the highlights of the exhibition is Dr Rambert’s desk, a wonderful illustration of the artist’s passion for elegance and functionality. Price: 10 euros. Reduced price: 7 euros.
Parallel to the exhibition, several tours are on offer to explore his work in situ:
Thursday 3 July à 12:30 pm Take advantage of the lunch break to learn about the refurbishment of this major facility from Rouen’s Reconstruction: furniture and œuvres d’art invite you à a journey to the beginning of the 1960s. Meet in Rouen, place de la Haute-Vieille-Tour, main entrance. Free with reservation
Friday 11 July 12:30 pm For one lunchtime visit, the doors of the town hall will open for a trip back to the 1960s! Charged with redesigning various spaces, the artist left his mark on the building, and the Council Chamber is one of his masterpieces. Meet in Rouen, place du Général-de-Gaulle, in front of the entrance to the Hôtel de Ville. Free with reservation
Wednesday 8 October from 2pm to 4pm Walk in the footsteps of Maxime Old by linking his two major public projects à Rouen. From the design of the decorations and furniture to cooperation with other artists, this tour will show you the full range of his work. Meet in Rouen, place de la Haute-Vieille-Tour, main entrance. Free with reservation
