Latest news with #ArtNouveau
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Mini creations by Swedish artists ‘Anonymouse,' dubbed ‘Banksy Mouse,' go from street to museum
LUND, Sweden (AP) — After nine years scurrying in the shadows, the two-person Swedish street art collective known as 'Anonymouse' — dubbed 'Banksy Mouse' by Swedish media — has finally stepped out of the dark and into a museum exhibition. The mystery began in late 2016 when miniature homes and businesses, all measuring well below knee height, began appearing on the streets of southern Sweden. It looked like a bunch of mice had opened a tiny restaurant named 'Il Topolino' and a neighboring nut delicatessen 'Noix de Vie.' There was no clue as to who created them besides a signature from anonymous artist group 'Anonymouse.' The following years saw more mouse homes and businesses appear in unexpected places: First in Sweden, then all over the world from the U.K. to Canada. The original creation on Bergsgatan, a busy street in Malmö, quickly attracted attention and went viral, drawing crowds. The project was even featured on the popular U.S. TV show 'The Late Late Show with James Corden.' The two artists behind the whiskery art project stepped out of their anonymity earlier this year. Swedes Elin Westerholm and Lupus Nensén both work in show business, making props and sets for film and television. 'The sweet part is that we're building something for children. Most of us have some kind of relationship to a world where mice live parallel to ours,' said Nensén, citing numerous child-focused fairy tales. On Friday, a selection of the duo's creations went on display at the Skissernas Museum in Lund, a short trip from Malmö, to celebrate nine years of 'mouse pranks and creativity.' Far-ranging mouse builders The duo say the idea for 'Anonymouse' came during a trip to Paris in 2016. Sitting in the French capital's Montmartre district, they soaked up Art Nouveau influences. Their first creation took six months to build, before they secretively installed it on Bergsgatan one cold, dark night. 'It's amazing to see a 70-year-old come over with crutches, and people help them down and have a look,' said Nensén. 'It really does bring out the child in everyone.' The artists have since created a mini pharmacy in the Swedish city of Lund, a pastry shop near Stockholm, a castle on the Isle of Man, and a radio studio in Quebec, Canada. The duo created between two and three projects a year. Record store 'Ricotta Records,' which the pair installed in Lund in 2020, features tiny, mouse-sized record covers, such as 'Back to Brie' by Amy Winemouse and 'Goodbye Yellow Cheese Roll' by Stilton John. Westerholm said 'part of the game is taking something that's a bit dumb really seriously.' 'We spent a lot of time coming up with mice and cheese puns over the years,' Nensén said. A sense of adventure The museum's exhibit rooms host six miniature worlds, once secretly installed on nearby Swedish streets, as well as sketches and preparatory works from the archives. The exhibit will run until late August. 'They are hidden, they are not in common areas where you would expect an artwork. There's one in the basement, one on a balcony, and so on,' exhibit curator Emil Nilsson said. Weekly A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene. 'I hope (visitors) take away a sense of adventure when they enter the museum looking for these hidden miniature worlds.' After revealing their identities earlier this year, Westerholm and Nensén announced their mouse building adventures were over, bringing an end to the viral street art project. 'It's been nine years,' said Westerholm. 'It's time to end it, I think.' Anonymouse won't return. But will the duo never build anything small in a public place again? 'We never know, we can't promise anything,' Westerholm said.
LeMonde
3 days ago
- Business
- LeMonde
New museum will honor Art Nouveau genius Hector Guimard in Paris
Paris will soon have a Musée Guimard. The museum will be housed in the Hôtel Mezzara, an Art Nouveau masterpiece built in 1910 by Hector Guimard at 60 Rue Jean-de-la-Fontaine in the 16 th arrondissement for Paul Mezzara, a textile industrialist of Venetian origin. The government, which owns this 750-square-meter private mansion, announced the news via a June 18 letter from the Regional Directorate of Public Finance for the Paris region. The letter was addressed to the two devoted enthusiasts who have spent the past seven years fighting to bring their ambitious project to life: Fabien Choné, president of the consulting and financing firm Fabelsi and its subsidiary Hector Guimard Diffusion, and Nicolas Horiot, president of the association Le Cercle Guimard, founded in 2003. After two unsuccessful calls for tenders in 2021 and 2023, the government, which first considered selling this historic monument in 2015 for €7 million, eventually decided, following a third call for tenders launched on January 28, to sign a 50-year lease for heritage enhancement with Foncière Mezzara, a property company created by Fabelsi with investment from a public bank. In exchange for an annual fee, part of which is based on the museum's revenue, Fabelsi, which will handle all restoration work, will operate the future museum.
NDTV
5 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
This Unexpected Spot Just Won Britain's Most Beautiful Pub Title
Tucked away on a charming street corner in West Ealing, London, The Forester has officially been crowned one of the nation's finest pubs, winning the coveted 'Community Local' category at the 2025 Pub Design Awards, hosted by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). Judged by a panel of design and conservation experts in partnership with Historic England, the award celebrates pubs that showcase exceptional visual appeal, historical significance, and thoughtful restoration. And The Forester ticked all the boxes. Lovingly restored by owner Fuller's, the pub impressed judges with its architectural charm, deep community roots, and respectful refurbishment. It was toasted as one of "the most visually stunning, historically significant and lovingly restored pubs across the UK." Built in 1909 by architect T.H. Nowell Parr, The Forester is a classic example of Edwardian design, featuring columned porticoes, green-glazed brickwork, and gabled roofs. Inside, it retains original bar counters, Tudor-arched bar-backs, tiled fireplaces, and even remnants of gas lighting. One saloon room boasts London's only surviving bell-pushes once used for waiter service, still marked with the word 'BELL'. The Art Nouveau stained glass adds a layer of elegance, while the former publican's office remains at the heart of the servery. After a brief closure, The Forester reopened in March 2024 following a sensitive restoration. Its rear lounge now serves popular Thai cuisine, blending heritage with modern hospitality. Andrew Davison, chairman of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, praised the winners for their dedication to preserving Britain's pub culture. Speaking to The Mirror, he said, "The Pub Design Awards recognise the highest standards of pub architecture, rewarding artistic flair and painstaking historical conservation." He added, "From inviting street-corner locals to striking medieval coaching inns, there are some stunning pubs in the UK. The craftsmanship involved in making these venues a gorgeous place to enjoy cask beer and real cider or perry should rightfully be applauded. I encourage heritage enthusiasts and pub lovers alike to visit these inspirational buildings." Other winners at the 2025 Pub Design Awards included: Bod Lichfield in Stratford, which won Best New Build for its "industrial chic" aesthetic, featuring recycled wood, distressed paintwork, and exposed ceiling pipes. Swan in Suffolk, recipient of the Historic England Conservation Award, recognised for preserving original features. B orough Beer House in Surrey and the now-closed Python's Arms in Lyonshall, Herefordshire, were joint winners in the Conversion to Pub Use category.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Scottish Sun
One of the world's most beautiful train stations that looks like ‘Gotham City' is home to weirdly-beautiful Burger King
And we round up the UK's most beautiful train stations ON TRACK One of the world's most beautiful train stations that looks like 'Gotham City' is home to weirdly-beautiful Burger King Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ONE of the world's most beautiful stations has been described as looking like something from a comic book. Helsinki Central Train Station in Finland has been named one of the most stunning train stations by both Lonely Planet and BBC. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Helsinki Central Train Station has been named one of the world's most beautiful Credit: Alamy 5 Some have said it looks like Batman's Gotham City Credit: Alamy It dates back as far as the 1860s which is when the railway tracks were first laid, although the main building opened in 1919. The Art Nouveau station also has a huge glass roof inside that was added in 2001. The main features outside are the two statues, called the Lyhdynkantajat (Lantern Bearers) on either side of the entrance, as well as the huge clock tower. One tourist wrote online: "The central station wouldn't look out of place in Gotham City with the characters built into either side of the main entrance." Another agreed: "One of the most Impressive buildings in Helsinki. To me looks Like from Gotham city in the Batman movies." Around 240,000 people use the station per day, as it is used as a transport hub for both commuters and long-haul travellers. Yet only half of those people are actually using the station for transport purposes, with the other half visiting it as a tourist attraction. It is so popular, it is is actually the most visited building in all of Finland. Along with 19 platforms, there are 15 cafes and restaurants including everything from juice bars and sandwich delis to fancier wine bars and beer stops. And the station is currently undergoing a huge renovation with improvements to the platform waiting area. Huge new train station to open in world's most popular city 5 The two statues outside are a famous feature Credit: Alamy As well as the addition of more seating, digital displays and automatic doors, a new brewery, restaurant and food court are also being added. Passengers are warned of temporary restrictions because of this until spring 2026. The Burger King in Helsinki's Central Station is even praised for being on of the most beautiful in the world. Tourists enter through a glass archway and are met by a huge chandelier hanging outside. 5 Inside are more than 15cafes, bars and restaurants Credit: Alamy One Youtuber said: "Absolutely the fanciest Burger King in the world, it's got to be." Visit in the winter months as you will also post a huge outdoor ice skating rink outside the station as well. Here's what it is like to go on a European train holiday, including a stop at the train station. For other beautiful train stations, Schafbergbahn Station in St. Wolfgang, Austria was named the most beautiful by architecture and design award Prix Versailles. Milan's main train station as well as Liege-Guillemins railway station in Belgium have also been praised. And we've rounded up the prettiest ones in the UK. 5 The train station renovations are set to be complete by 2026 Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- The Irish Sun
One of the world's most beautiful train stations that looks like ‘Gotham City' is home to weirdly-beautiful Burger King
ONE of the world's most beautiful stations has been described as looking like something from a comic book. Helsinki Central Train Station in Finland has been named one of the most stunning train stations by both Lonely Planet and BBC. Advertisement 5 Helsinki Central Train Station has been named one of the world's most beautiful Credit: Alamy 5 Some have said it looks like Batman's Gotham City Credit: Alamy It dates back as far as the 1860s which is when the railway tracks were first laid, although the main building opened in 1919. The Art Nouveau station also has a huge glass roof inside that was added in 2001. The main features outside are the two statues, called the Lyhdynkantajat (Lantern Bearers) on either side of the entrance, as well as the huge clock tower. One tourist wrote online: "The central station wouldn't look out of place in Gotham City with the characters built into either side of the main entrance." Advertisement Read more on train stations Another agreed: "One of the most Impressive buildings in Helsinki. To me looks Like from Gotham city in the Batman movies." Around 240,000 people use the station per day, as it is used as a transport hub for both commuters and long-haul travellers . Yet only half of those people are actually using the station for transport purposes, with the other half visiting it as a tourist attraction. It is so popular, it is is actually the most visited building in all of Finland. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Along with 19 platforms, there are 15 cafes and restaurants including everything from juice bars and sandwich delis to fancier wine bars and beer stops. And the station is currently undergoing a huge renovation with improvements to the platform waiting area. Huge new train station to open in world's most popular city 5 The two statues outside are a famous feature Credit: Alamy As well as the addition of more seating, digital displays and automatic doors, a new brewery, restaurant and food court are also being added. Advertisement Passengers are warned of temporary restrictions because of this until spring 2026. The Burger King in Helsinki's Central Station is even praised for being on of the most beautiful in the world. Tourists enter through a glass archway and are met by a huge chandelier hanging outside. 5 Inside are more than 15cafes, bars and restaurants Credit: Alamy Advertisement One Youtuber said: "Absolutely the fanciest Burger King in the world, it's got to be." Visit in the winter months as you will also post a huge outdoor ice skating rink outside the station as well. Here's what it is like to go on a For other beautiful train stations architecture and design award Prix Versailles. Advertisement Belgium have also been praised. And we've rounded up the prettiest ones in the UK. 5 The train station renovations are set to be complete by 2026 Credit: Alamy Advertisement
