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Lalique Museum in France

The Musée Lalique, the first museum solely dedicated to René Lalique's glass and crystal work, will open in the town of Wingen-sur-Moder in Alsace in spring 2011.
Situated in the 18th-century glassmaking site where Lalique first started his now celebrated work, the new museum will trace the history of glassmaking, as well as display nearly 600 pieces designed by René Lalique

The 900-square-meter Musée Lalique will welcome a permanent exhibition that will present the history of the glass, and showcase never-before seen vases and jewelry, much of which were created during the Art Nouveau period between 1890 and 1905. Many of Lalique's famous works will be exhibited, such as his jewelry, Art Deco glass designs, perfume bottles and statues. A separate temporary exhibit space will display a variety of other glass pieces, updated one to two times per year.

The items presented in the museum will include donations from the Lalique Company and from various Paris museums such as the Musée des Arts et Métiers and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Also featured in the exhibits will be audiovisual and multimedia documents, which will help visitors gain a more comprehensive view of the historical, artistic and technical context behind Lalique’s work. A guided tour will also be available for visitors to explore the site and uncover the history of glassmaking in the area.

Since the Renaissance, the glass industry in La Petite-Pierre has remained a significant presence. In 1715, the Count of Hanau authorized a new glass factory in Hochberg, which remained open until 1868. In 1922, with the help of state funding, René Lalique was able to create his own glass factory, Verrèrie d’Alsace, in Wingden-sur-Moder. In 1962, the factory was renamed the Cristallerie Lalique, where he produced unique glassware such as goblets, vases, and decorative bowls. Today, the area remains the sole place where Lalique crystal is produced.

If you'd like to make a visit part of a trip to the area the Musée Lalique will be situated in the heart of the Northern Vosges Nature Reserve. You will also be able to visit:
Lichtenberg castle
The cave dwellings in Graufthal
The musée du Sceau alsacien in la Petite Pierre
The musée des Arts et Traditions populaires in la Petite Pierre
The Maison du Parc, in the castle in La Petite Pierre
The glassmaking centre in Meisenthal
La Grande Place Musée du Cristal Saint-Louis in Saint-Louis-lès-Bitche
Based on information provided by French Tourism

© 2011