Monaco, Summer 2025 — The New National Museum of Monaco (NMNM) proudly presents “The Roaring Twenties of Coco Chanel”, a captivating exhibition now on display at Villa Paloma until October 5, 2025. This remarkable showcase celebrates Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s iconic contributions to fashion and culture during the 1920s, highlighting her influence on the French Riviera’s creative renaissance.

A first-of-its-kind in Monaco, the exhibition features over 200 rare pieces and works of art, including 30 exceptional garments from Chanel’s lesser-known designs of the Jazz Age, many of which have never been shown to the public.

A Century of Elegance and Innovation

Curated under the direction of Björn Dahlström, the NMNM director, this exhibition offers a unique look at Chanel’s visionary work during the transformative decade known as Les Années Folles. “These pieces are 100 years old, yet incredibly fresh. We’re delighted to partner with Chanel’s heritage collections and other international lenders to present these hidden gems,” said Dahlström.

Visitors will encounter evening gowns, daywear, and costumes designed for the Ballets Russes, including pieces worn in Jean Cocteau’s legendary 1924 ballet Le Train Bleu, a project that united Chanel with the likes of Serge Diaghilev, Pablo Picasso, and Jean Cocteau.

Where Fashion and Fine Art Intertwine

The NMNM brilliantly places Chanel’s designs in dialogue with 40 masterpieces from modern art legends such as Pablo Picasso, Marie Laurencin, Natalia Goncharova, and Sonia Delaunay. The exhibition frames Chanel’s creative vision within the broader artistic movement of the 1920s, emphasizing how her minimalist yet liberated fashion paralleled the visual language of modernism.

Adding a contemporary touch, the museum also invited French artist Chloé Royer, whose sculptural series “Of Limbs and Other Things” delves into the metamorphosis of the female form. Royer’s work is a poetic nod to Chanel’s revolutionary influence in redefining women’s silhouettes and challenging norms—especially through her seaside lifestyle, which inspired her casual yet chic sportswear aesthetic.

Thematic Journey in Three Acts

The exhibition unfolds in three curated levels, each exploring a distinct chapter in Chanel’s Roaring Twenties journey:

• 1st Floor – “Outdoor Life & Seaside Leisure”: From Deauville to Monaco, this section immerses guests in Chanel’s personal transformation through her coastal escapades. “I invented sportswear for myself,” Chanel famously said. Her transition to relaxed luxury reshaped how women dressed in the 20th century.
• 2nd Floor – “Russian Ballets & Slavic Influence”: This floor dives into Chanel’s artistic collaborations with Serge Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes, showcasing Slavic motifs and opulent costume designs. These pieces capture Chanel’s love of storytelling and cultural fusion.
• 3rd Floor – “Riviera Style & La Pausa”: Returning to the Côte d’Azur, visitors step into Chanel’s private world—photographs, perfume bottles, and glimpses of her villa La Pausa in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. This space illustrates her life beyond fashion: a tastemaker, muse, and pioneer of modern femininity.

A Must-See Cultural Experience in Monaco

“The Roaring Twenties of Coco Chanel” is more than a fashion exhibit—it is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and cultural evolution. Set within the elegant Villa Paloma, this experience offers a rare window into the intersections of fashion, art, and personal freedom at a time when innovation knew no boundaries.

Whether you’re a fashion connoisseur, art lover, or curious traveler, this exhibit provides a deep dive into the revolutionary legacy of Coco Chanel and her indelible impact on both global style and the arts.

Exhibition Details

📍 Villa Paloma, NMNM – Monaco
🗓️ Now through October 5, 2025
🔗 www.nmnm.mc