1936 Bugatti Type 57C Atlantic (top) and 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis (above).
One year after its grand re-opening, the Petersen 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” 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. “Art of Bugatti” offers a comprehensive history of the family, with many examples of the works of art they created, both fine and automotive.
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” exhibition opens on 23 October, 2016 in the Mullin Grand Salon on the first floor of the Petersen Museum and will remain on display for a year. The exhibit offers an unfettered look at the Bugatti family and their incredible ascension to the pantheon of great arts dynasties in a way that no other collection or show has been able to.
(Clockwise from top left) Bugatti’s 1928 Type 43-44 Grand Sport, 1929 Type 44 Fiacra, 1931 Type 50 and 1930 Type 46.
