Manufactures Nationales – Sèvres & Mobilier national

Mission & Vision

Resulting from the merger between the Mobilier national and the Cité de la Céramique – Sèvres & Limoges, the Manufactures Nationales were established to promote the excellence of French craftsmanship and highlight the richness of both tangible and intangible heritage through more than 53 artistic crafts practiced within its manufactures and workshops.

Unique worldwide, this new public entity dedicated to decorative arts, crafts, and design combines heritage and creation to play a central role in implementing France’s national strategy in support of artistic crafts.

Its mission is structured around six key priorities: education and training; research; creation; support for the fragile ecosystem of artistic crafts; heritage promotion; and the international outreach of craftsmanship.

As the heir to four centuries of history, it comprises two museums (the National Museum of Ceramics in Sèvres and the Adrien Dubouché National Museum in Limoges), nine manufactures and creative workshops (including the Sèvres National Manufactory, the Gobelins Tapestry Manufactory, the Beauvais Tapestry Manufactory, the Savonnerie Carpet Manufactory, the lace workshops of Alençon and Le Puy-en-Velay, and the Research and Creation Workshop for contemporary furniture), seven restoration workshops, and a furnishing commission.

Actions Led

Mobilier national and the Cité de la Céramique – Sèvres & Limoges carry out a variety of initiatives centered on promoting and developing French craftsmanship and safeguarding artistic heritage:

• Preserving Exceptional Craftsmanship
  The Manufactures Nationales provide training programs to safeguard and pass on rare artisanal skills—ensuring these traditional crafts endure for future generations.
• Driving Innovation in Design and Materials
  The Manufactures Nationales foster creativity and experimentation in furniture design, textiles, and ceramics, blending heritage techniques with bold, contemporary approaches.
• Nurturing Artistic Expression
  The Manufactures Nationales produce ceramic, textile, and furniture artworks in close collaboration with both emerging and established designers and artists
• Strengthening a Delicate Cultural Ecosystem
  Through a wide array of projects, the Manufactures Nationales actively support France’s fragile network of craft-related companies across the French territories.
• Showcasing France’s Savoir-Faire on the International Stage
  The Manufactures Nationales highlight the excellence of French craftsmanship and design through international collaborations and exhibitions.

Projects That U.S. Donors Can Support

Exhibitions

The exhibitions at the Manufactures Nationales highlight the richness of decorative arts and centuries-old craftsmanship. Whether centered on historical themes or contemporary creations, these exhibitions aim to raise awareness about the exceptional skills of artisans and to foster a deep appreciation for cultural heritage. They are thoughtfully designed to be inclusive and accessible to a broad and diverse audience.

In addition to being showcased in France, the exhibitions also travel internationally — notably to the United States — and are featured at major fairs and salons, helping to promote French culture on a global scale. For example, the exhibition “Sèvres Extraordinaire”! “Sculpture from 1740 until Today” will be presented in New York City this fall, offering American audiences a rare opportunity to discover the excellence of French ceramic art.

The Patrons’ Circle

The Patrons’ Circle is a vibrant space for cultural exchange and dedicated commitment to the decorative arts and crafts. Members enjoy exclusive privileges such as behind-the-scenes events with curators and artisans, previews of major exhibitions, private visits of workshops and archives, and opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of artistic craftsmanship.