The René Lalique, joyero [René Lalique, the jeweller] exhibition displays an important set of jewels loaned from the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, tracing Lalique’s career (1860–1945) and the evolution of his work through the materials he used, from his early activity as a jeweller to the glass pieces which he produced later on. This work is contextualised by the presentation of preparatory drawings, as well as by other works made by the artist from glass and silver.

The exhibition pieces, never before displayed in Spain, form part of the vast set of works which Calouste Gulbenkian, a close friend of the artist, acquired during his lifetime for his private collection, known today as the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.

The taste for the organic in art during the transition from the 19th to the 20th century and Lalique’s impressive imagination made him an important reference for two artistic movements: Art Nouveau and Art Déco. The museum which is currently displaying this exhibition is a faithful reflection of both movements, both in terms of its collections and the building housing them. An example of the architecture produced at the beginning of the 20th century, the building represents a unique venue in which to exhibit the work of this prolific artist.