If you’re in Washington, D.C., don’t miss the newly opened exhibition on Alphonse Mucha at The Phillips Collection, running now through May 18, 2025. Organized by the Mucha Foundation, this major exhibition offers a rare opportunity to dive deep into Mucha’s revolutionary contributions to graphic design. Featuring over 100 works, the exhibition spans his artistic evolution from early training to his rise as a leading figure of the Art Nouveau movement. It’s a truly immersive experience, transporting visitors into the heart of the Paris of the Belle Époque and beyond.

Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939) was a visionary artist whose iconic style defined the Art Nouveau movement. Born in what is now the Czech Republic, Mucha’s journey took him to Munich and Paris, where he studied classical techniques before rising to fame with his collaboration with French actress Sarah Bernhardt. His intricate linework, flowing forms, and idealized figures created a unique visual language that transformed not only poster art but commercial illustration as well. Mucha’s designs quickly became ubiquitous, appearing on magazine covers, books, postcards, calendars, and more. His belief that art should be accessible and emotionally resonant for all is evident in every piece.

As someone who has long admired Mucha’s work, I was truly captivated by this exhibition. While I knew many of his iconic posters and designs, I had never seen so many of his works displayed together. The Phillips Collection curators, in collaboration with The Mucha Foundation, have done an exceptional job in bringing Mucha’s world to life. The dim lighting and intimate setting of the exhibition amplify the elegance and vibrancy of his art, creating an atmosphere that feels as if you’ve stepped into Mucha’s studio itself, surrounded by the beauty of Parisian Belle Époque. From his famous posters to his stunning decorative panels, the exhibition explores how Mucha’s work redefined the boundaries of commercial art, elevating it to the status of fine art.

What’s especially exciting is how the exhibition also shows the lasting influence of Mucha’s designs on later generations. In the 1960s, his signature aesthetic found new life in the psychedelic rock posters of bands like the Grateful Dead and The Rolling Stones. You can see echoes of his fluid lines and ornate forms in modern Japanese manga and even contemporary graphic design. This exhibition not only celebrates Mucha’s genius but also traces the ongoing relevance of his style through the ages.

While you’re at The Phillips Collection, be sure to explore the rest of the museum’s extraordinary permanent collection. From works by Renoir to Rothko, the museum’s intimate spaces provide a wonderful contrast to Mucha’s grand, decorative style, offering an enriching journey through the evolution of modern art. This exhibition is a rare chance to see Mucha’s work in all its glory, and one that I wholeheartedly recommend. If you visit, I’d love to hear your thoughts!