Comité Colbert Celebrates 250 Years of Franco-American Ties with Special Exhibition

This spring, The Shed will host a special exhibition presented by Comité Colbert that will explore 250 years of artistic exchange between France and the United States. Presented in five chapters, “Hidden Treasures, 250 Years of Franco-American Luxury Stories” will feature never-before-seen American archives, with each participating French maison represented by a single artifact. Baccarat, for instance, will display George Chevalier’s Horloge Soleil Héritage, which was featured in the maison’s first U.S. boutique on East 57^th Street in New York, and later at Arthur Miller and Marilyn Monroe’s apartment.

The chapters open with First Encounters, which explores the foundations of the Franco-American exchange through diplomacy, trade, and cultural discovery. Crossing Oceans focuses on the golden age of transatlantic travel, which propelled the movement of people, ideas, and luxury goods. The Rise of Icons chapter recognizes the emergence of globally recognized brands that are shaped by American culture, while Crafting Diplomacy captures moments where design, craftsmanship, and hospitality intersect with politics and international relations. Finally, Creative Resonances spotlights the contemporary collaborations and cultural exchanges shaping modern creativity.

Participants include Christian Louboutin, represented by a 2012 collaboration with Disney that reimagined Cinderella’s glass slipper, Christofle, represented by tableware that set sail on board the legendary liner Normandie, Yves Delorme, represented by a scenographic artwork exploring the enduring dialogue between French textile heritage and American architectural imagination, Van Cleef & Arpels, represented by a ballerina clip, Celine, represented by a stunning scarf, and many others.

Tickets for the special exhibition are available beginning April 24.

“Hidden Treasures, 250 Years of Franco-American Luxury Stories”is on view at The Shed May 26–31.