Design Tourism
We went to Saint Etienne to explore the town but also to see a design exhibition. The exhibition had been widely advertised and we had noticed posters around Lyon for a few months prior.
Saint Etienne pins much of its tourist advertising on being a design hub. Such a claim nicely side steps the mixture of buildings that stop the place claiming a historic centre or particularly picturesque location. Saint Etienne could not compete against other local towns and villages on that basis, so design seems different and appealing. Certainly it worked to get us to visit.
Musée d’Art Moderne de Saint-Etienne Métropole
Saint Etienne has a modern art gallery on its outskirts, le Musée d’Art Moderne de Saint-Etienne Métropole. The gallery is accessible by tram. The dedicated tram stop was notable for having no signage for actually walking to the gallery. It seems those visiting on foot are forgotten; a clear sign pointing in the right direction for the gallery entrance would make a great improvement.
The gallery itself is fine. Sadly no photography was allowed in the exhibits we saw and thus I have nothing to share here.
Cité du Design
The following day we visited the cité du design; this was home to exhibits we saw advertised in Lyon.
The exhibit was thrilling but then I love furniture design and history. Something delightful about seeing the original chairs and tables that have now become iconic.
The curation was considered and provided enough text to educate us as we walked along. The displays were nicely presented and date ordered.
The furniture in the later sections did not appeal but then I have no expectation to like it all. Challenging maybe but not practical and by that later period not designed for the user but instead just for arts sake.
Cité du design was also hosting a smaller collection of modern objects claiming empathy in their design. A loose concept that allowed for a fun assortment of modern gadgets.
