1936 Bugatti 57SC Atlantic. Photo: Michael Furman.
On October 23, 2016, the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles, California, will unveil the most comprehensive retrospective on the Bugatti family in history, showcasing the art, sculpture, furniture and automobiles of the family that changed automotive design, engineering and racing during the art deco period.
“Art of Bugatti” will open to the public in the museum’s Mullin Grand Salon and will remain on display for a year. The exhibit will be previewed during the Petersen’s grand Gala, hosted by two-time Emmy winner James Corden on October 22, 2016.
Art of Bugatti gives museum-goers an inside look at the history of one of the great arts dynasties of the last two centuries beginning with the patriarch, Carlo Bugatti, and his unique path through the arts, which included a mastery of painting, furniture design and manufacture and silversmithing. It then goes into great detail on the work of his sons, Rembrandt and Ettore Bugatti, as well as Ettore’s children. The exhibit offers a comprehensive history of the family with many examples of the works of art they created, both fine and automotive.
“The Bugattis were an incredibly fascinating family and their history, like all families, is filled with both triumph and tragedy,” said Peter Mullin, chairman of the board of directors for the Petersen. “Their incredible aptitude for art and engineering is unparalleled by any family before or since and their legacy is worthy of celebration. It’s a great honour to share these works with the public and I’m so pleased that we could bring this exhibition to the Petersen.”
The vehicles on display include the Type 41 Royale, Type 57 Atalante, Type 35 and Type 46 along with modern Bugattis like the EB110 and the recently unveiled Chiron. The assemblage of cars represents the entire span of the Bugatti automobile company and features vehicles designed by both Ettore Bugatti and his son Jean. The exhibition shows the evolution of both the Bugatti’s style and their engineering prowess.
“The Art of Bugatti is a show unlike any other and the Petersen is so pleased to be able to share it with our patrons,” said Petersen executive director Terry Karges. “The quality and variety of the art and automobiles on display is incredible and it truly gives a unique insight into the history of a fascinating and talented family. Art of Bugatti is an exhibition that isn’t to be missed.”
The Art of Bugatti exhibition opens on October 23, 2016 in the Mullin Grand Salon on the first floor of the Petersen Museum.
For more information about the Art of Bugatti or about the Petersen Automotive Museum, please visit www.Petersen.org or call (323) 930-CARS.