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Between 20 June 2008 and 14 September 2008 , the Ara Pacis  Museum in Rome (via di Ripetta 190) hosts a traveling exhibition on the creations of one of the greatest French architects and designers of the 20th century.

Jan Prouvé developed the idea of nomadic architecture, whereby a chair was given the same iconic importance as a house, designing both with transportability in mind. His work has had a lasting impact on furniture and industrial design.  His main achievement was transferring the manufacturing technology from industry to the architecture, without losing the aesthetic qualities.

It demonstrates how Jean Prouvé (1901-1984) had a remarkable capacity to combine entrepreneurial skills with craftsmanship, design and architecture.
More than 100 of his works, executed between 1924 and the mid 70s are included in this exhibition:

50 objects of design(chairs, tables, desks, beds, lamps), architectonic elements, various architectural models as well as a rich selection of signed drawings and studies for the Péchiney pavilion in Paris.

Prouvé is considered a leading exponent of industrialized building.

Jean was born in Nancy. In Nancy in 1923 he opened what would be the first in a string of his own workshops and studios. He produced wrought iron lamps, chandeliers, hand rails and began designing furniture. In 1947 he built the Maxéville factory. After Maxéville he started "Constructions Jean Prouvé" In 1957 he started the Industrial Transport Equipment Company and built the Rotterdam Medical School, the Exhibition Center in Grenoble and the Orly Airways Terminal façade.The metal furniture of Jean Prouvé was produced copiously in every studio and workshop. Prouvé was influential in the development of the idea of nomadic architecture, likening a chair to a house, and designing both with portability in mind.He died in Nancy in 1984.

Opening hours

Tuesday – Sunday 9.00/10.00am – 7.00/8.00pm

Entrance ticket

ordinary: € 6,50; reduced: € 4,50;

How to get to the Ara Pacis Museum  with Rome  public transport :

Museo Dell’Ara Pacis, Lungotevere Augusto (near Piazza del Popolo) . If you stay in Rome central Hotel this is going to be easy to get there.

From Termini station take line A metro and get off at the stop "Spagna"