From left to right: Walter Schluep (1931-2016), Brooch, 1964. MBAM, gift of Nina Bruck. Photo MMFA, Christine Guest | Maria Grazia Rosin (born in 1958), Detergens Spray Bottle and Detergens WC Bottle, 2000, made by Vittorio Ferro, Murano. MMFA, Liliane and David M. Stewart Collection. © Maria Grazia Rosin, by SIAE / CARCC Ottawa 2025. Photo MMFA, Christine Guest | Arthur D. Bracegirdle, Keraclonic Sphere Television, 1969, produced by Group Systems (Keracolor) Ltd., Northwich, England. MMFA, Liliane and David M. Stewart Collection, gift of Nannette and Eric Brill. Photo MMFA | Michael Massie (1962–), Bakeapples, Partridgeberries and Tea Teapot, 2021. MMFA, purchase, T. R. Meighen Family Fund. Photo MMFA, Jean-François Brière | Verner Panton (1926-1998), Chair (model PA 100), 1960-1967 (example of 1974), produced by Vitra, Weil am Rhein, Germany, for Herman Miller International, Zeeland, Michigan. MMFA, Liliane and David M. Stewart Collection, gift of Luc d’Iberville Moreau. Photo MMFA, Jean-François Brière | Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory (founded in 1756), decoration painted by Jean Georget (1763-1823), Teapot from Breakfast Service (Cabaret) called “Famous Women,” about 1814. MMFA, purchase, Suzanne Caouette Bequest. Photo MMFA, Jean-François Brière
From left to right: Walter Schluep (1931-2016), Brooch, 1964. MBAM, gift of Nina Bruck. Photo MMFA, Christine Guest | Maria Grazia Rosin (born in 1958), Detergens Spray Bottle and Detergens WC Bottle, 2000, made by Vittorio Ferro, Murano. MMFA, Liliane and David M. Stewart Collection. © Maria Grazia Rosin, by SIAE / CARCC Ottawa 2025. Photo MMFA, Christine Guest | Arthur D. Bracegirdle, Keraclonic Sphere Television, 1969, produced by Group Systems (Keracolor) Ltd., Northwich, England. MMFA, Liliane and David M. Stewart Collection, gift of Nannette and Eric Brill. Photo MMFA | Michael Massie (1962–), Bakeapples, Partridgeberries and Tea Teapot, 2021. MMFA, purchase, T. R. Meighen Family Fund. Photo MMFA, Jean-François Brière | Verner Panton (1926-1998), Chair (model PA 100), 1960-1967 (example of 1974), produced by Vitra, Weil am Rhein, Germany, for Herman Miller International, Zeeland, Michigan. MMFA, Liliane and David M. Stewart Collection, gift of Luc d’Iberville Moreau. Photo MMFA, Jean-François Brière | Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory (founded in 1756), decoration painted by Jean Georget (1763-1823), Teapot from Breakfast Service (Cabaret) called “Famous Women,” about 1814. MMFA, purchase, Suzanne Caouette Bequest. Photo MMFA, Jean-François Brière
From the Functional to the Fabulous
The MMFA houses one of North America’s largest and most important decorative arts and design collections. Discover an entirely reimagined space that combines collection highlights, recent acquisitions and objects on view for the first time.
The new installation occupies nearly 2,000 m² and spans both levels of the pavilion—a Brutalist architectural gem designed by Fred David Lebensold. More than 800 objects are on display (silverware, ceramics, furniture, jewelry, textiles, glassware, and craft and industrial design objects), created by over 400 designers, artists and artisans from around the world.
A masterpiece returns
Taking centre stage is Dale Chihuly’s The Sun (2003), a majestic sculpture composed of 1, 200 rays of blown glass. Previously installed on the front steps of the Museum in the summer, it will now shine year-round inside the pavilion.
Dale Chihuly (born in 1941), The Sun (detail), from the series “Chandeliers & Towers,” 2003, blown glass, steel. MMFA, purchase, gifts of J. Sebastian van Berkom, Marcel and Caroline Elefant, an anonymous donor, Jacqueline Desmarais, Sun Life Financial, John A. and Phyllis Rae, Polaroid Eyewear, New Look Eyewear and the thousands of Museum visitors and members who contributed to this acquisition. © Dale Chihuly / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / CARCC Ottawa 2024. Photo MMFA
Carlo Mollino (1905-1973), Arabesco Table, 1950. MMFA, Liliane and David M. Stewart Collection. Photo MMFA, Christine Guest
More than 400 artists and artisans
The redesigned galleries bring together numerous objects and pieces of furniture by Edward Barnard & Sons, Carlo Bugatti, Christopher Dresser, Charles and Ray Eames, Shiro Kuramata, Memphis, William Morris, Carlo Mollino, Jean-Pierre Latz and the Sèvres Manufactory.
Recent acquisitions include works by the École du meuble de Montréal, the Clairtone Sound Corporation, François Dallegret, Hitomi Hosono and Humble Nature x Caroline Monnet.
Other creations on display—by artists such as Paul-Émile Borduas, Shary Boyle, Greg Curnoe, Nadia Myre and Nam June Paik—serve to enrich the dialogue between design, decorative arts and visual arts.
Edward Barnard & Sons (1829‑1910), Presentation Centrepiece, 1850, silver, 58.5 x 33 x 30.5 cm. Presented to George Okill Stuart (1807‑1884), Mayor of Quebec City, upon his retirement February 4, 1850. MMFA, gift of the Honourable Serge Joyal, P.C., C.C., O.Q., in memory of the Right Honourable Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Photo MMFA, Brian Merrett
Joseph Armand Bombardier (1907-1964), Ski-Doo Snowmobile (model J61), 1958 (example of 1961), produced by Bombardier Snowmobile Ltd., Valcourt, Quebec. MMFA, Liliane and David M. Stewart Collection, gift of Mrs. Claire Bombardier Beaudoin
Enhance your visit
Use your headphones and smartphone to discover the stories behind a dozen objects, as told by their creators, including François Dallegret, Pascale Girardin, Ying Gao and Zoë Mowat.
You will also have the opportunity to examine a selection of 3D-modelled objects from every angle, as if you were holding them in your hands.
Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007), Carlton Bookcase, 1981, wood, plastic laminate, produced by Memphis, Milan, 197.5 x 190 x 40 cm (approx.). MMFA, gift of Mieczyslaw and Jadwiga Marcinkiewicz. Photo MMFA, Julie Ciot
Mark your calendar!
Credits and curatorial team
This presentation was curated by Rachel Gotlieb, Phd, Guest Curator.
Major Public Partner
Patron
Public Partners
With support from
Official Sponsors
Media Partner
Dale Chihuly (born in 1941), The Sun (detail), from the series “Chandeliers & Towers,” 2003, blown glass, steel. MMFA, purchase, gifts of J. Sebastian van Berkom, Marcel and Caroline Elefant, an anonymous donor, Jacqueline Desmarais, Sun Life Financial, John A. and Phyllis Rae, Polaroid Eyewear, New Look Eyewear and the thousands of Museum visitors and members who contributed to this acquisition. © Dale Chihuly / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / CARCC Ottawa 2024. Photo MMFA
Carlo Mollino (1905-1973), Arabesco Table, 1950. MMFA, Liliane and David M. Stewart Collection. Photo MMFA, Christine Guest
Edward Barnard & Sons (1829‑1910), Presentation Centrepiece, 1850, silver, 58.5 x 33 x 30.5 cm. Presented to George Okill Stuart (1807‑1884), Mayor of Quebec City, upon his retirement February 4, 1850. MMFA, gift of the Honourable Serge Joyal, P.C., C.C., O.Q., in memory of the Right Honourable Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Photo MMFA, Brian Merrett
Joseph Armand Bombardier (1907-1964), Ski-Doo Snowmobile (model J61), 1958 (example of 1961), produced by Bombardier Snowmobile Ltd., Valcourt, Quebec. MMFA, Liliane and David M. Stewart Collection, gift of Mrs. Claire Bombardier Beaudoin
Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007), Carlton Bookcase, 1981, wood, plastic laminate, produced by Memphis, Milan, 197.5 x 190 x 40 cm (approx.). MMFA, gift of Mieczyslaw and Jadwiga Marcinkiewicz. Photo MMFA, Julie Ciot
