Overcoming challenges: Creating a dialogue at the pinnacle of Impressionism

The exhibition Cézanne/Renoir, celebrates the 150th anniversary of the birth of Impressionism by creating a dialogue between the works and careers of two of the greatest masters of the movement, Paul Cézanne and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Taking place from March until June 2024 at Palazzo Reale, the exhibition encompassed fifty-two masterpieces, offering a comprehensive overview of the work of the two artists, from their early canvases of the 1870s to their more mature works of the early 20th century.
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We led the full production, visual identity, retail concept and product line, as well as the communication campaign for the Cézanne/Renoir exhibition at the Palazzo Reale in Milan, produced by Skira in partnership with the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée de l’Orangerie.

A 360 approach to the experience: Contemporary dive into the creative worlds of two masters

The exhibition design was built around a thematic and comparative journey, placing works by Cézanne and Renoir side by side to highlight their contrasting stylistic approaches, Renoir’s sensual, luminous touch versus Cézanne’s geometric, analytical construction, as well as their lasting influence on modern art. The scenography reinforced this dialogue through a play of contrasts: warm expressiveness opposed to rigorous precision, culminating in a final room featuring two works by Pablo Picasso, which revealed the enduring legacy of both masters.

The visitor path opened with a tunnel of coloured glass that introduced the central concept of light, guiding visitors into an environment where each painter’s universe was expressed through dedicated chromatic spaces: a soft blush-pink backdrop for Renoir and a cool grey-blue for Cézanne. The route also included an “atelier room,” inspired by archival material from Renoir’s Cagnes-sur-Mer studio and Cézanne’s Jas de Bouffan, offering insight into the creative contexts behind their work and adding a more intimate, process-oriented layer to the exhibition experience.

Enhancing visitor engagement: Retail experience as an extension of the exhibition

Conceived as an extension of the museum visit, the boutique combined cultural integrity with commercial appeal, offering visitors an elegant, immersive space that reflected the palettes and atmospheres of both masters. Our integrated approach ensured coherence between the exhibition’s scenography and the retail environment, enhancing visitor engagement while generating revenue. The retail program included shop design and fit-out, bespoke product development, and merchandising strategy, showcasing official catalogues, Impressionism-focused publications, reproductions, stationery, textiles, and exclusive creations inspired by the exhibited works. Additionally, we managed all operational aspects, from supplier sourcing and product quality to P&L ownership, reinforcing the boutique as a key component of the exhibition’s overall identity.