Bulgari:" 125 years of Italian Magnificence "

The Grand Palais in Paris is showing a retrospective exhibition devoted to Bulgari, the Roman jewelry house that celebrated its 125th anniversary last year. Housed in the museum's nave, the exhibition retraces the main chapters in Bulgari's history and the evolution of the esthetic that made the brand a driving force of the "Italian school," from the opening of the first shop on Via Sistina in 1884 through the modern day. This fascinating saga is illustrated by more than 600 masterpieces of jewelry, watch and clockmaking, and the decorative arts, including some hundred pieces that are on public display for the first time.
The exhibition consists of eight sections arranged in chronological order, starting from the late 19th century to the 2000s. An entire section is devoted to the Dolce Vita years, with spectacular creations worn by Anna Magnani, Monica Vitti, Claudia Cardinale, Sophia Loren, Romy Schneider, Ingrid Bergman and Gina Lollobrigida.
A separate room is exclusively devoted to the the fabulous private collection of Elizabeth Taylor, never seen before in France. The stormy relationship between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton was punctuated by a series of gifts from Bulgari, as reflected in many quotes by Richard Burton on his then-wife: "The only word she knows in Italian is 'Bulgari', I introduced Liz to beer and she introduced me to Bulgari."

I always visit Bulgari, because it is the most important museum of contemporary art. 
~ ~ Andy Warhol

The Diamond room

On the ceiling

All images, courtesy Bulgari
Exhibition at the Grand Palais-Paris
December 10, 2010 - January 12, 2011