Paulin, Paulin, Paulin has joined forces with Hauser & Wirth to present Mise-en-scène, an immersive exhibition now unfolding at the gallery’s Monaco space. The project reimagines the legacy of Pierre Paulin by staging his iconic furniture within a living, evolving artistic environment.
A Dialogue Between Design and Art
Rather than a traditional exhibition, Mise-en-scène operates as a carefully constructed spatial narrative. Paulin’s sculptural seating and interior objects act as both functional design pieces and conceptual anchors, positioned in direct conversation with works by major 20th- and 21st-century artists.
The presentation brings together a notable roster, including Pablo Picasso, Louise Bourgeois, Jean Arp, Lucio Fontana, and Andy Warhol. Their works are juxtaposed with contemporary contributions from Rashid Johnson, Henry Taylor, and Paul McCarthy, creating a layered exchange across generations.
Furniture as Stage, Space as Narrative
The exhibition’s title—Mise-en-scène—reflects its theatrical approach. Every element within the gallery is arranged as part of a larger composition, where furniture becomes both stage and actor. As a result, visitors move through an environment that blurs the boundaries between living space and exhibition space, reinforcing the idea that design and art are inherently intertwined.
Expanding Into Sound
Extending beyond the visual, the project introduces “Sounds Like Paulin,” a cultural platform and record label founded by Benjamin Paulin and Alice Paulin. This initiative treats sound as an additional medium within the exhibition, activating the space through a series of performances and seasonal programming.
The program launches with a live performance by The Cristalist, aligning with the exhibition’s opening and setting the tone for future activations.
A Living Exhibition in Monaco
Open throughout the summer by appointment, Mise-en-scène offers a continuously evolving experience in Monte Carlo. By merging furniture, fine art, and sound into a single environment, the presentation redefines how design heritage can be preserved—not as something static, but as a dynamic, sensory dialogue that continues to unfold over time.