Galerie Gastou, since 1985

When Yves Gastou settled in Paris in 1985, he imagined a space created in his own image: passionate, audacious, free. He trusted the creation of the galerie and its now iconic facade to the greatest Maestro of them all: Ettore Sottsass.

One of the most influential figures in the world of 20th century interiors and design, Yves was joined by his son Victor Gastou in 2005. For Victor, as it was for Yves, the gallery has always been more than just an exhibition space: it is a sacred place to reveal their discoveries, where eras and styles converge to tell a story of aesthetics in constant motion — the Goût Gastou. Their influence and unique spirit continues to reverberate through interiors around the world today.

A History of Revolutionary Furniture and Design

Established in 1985 by Yves Gastou, the Galerie Gastou is a gallery of furniture and design located just feet from the École des Beaux-Arts (School of Fine Arts) in the historic art district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris. Housed in the only architectural space in France designed by the legendary Italian architect Ettore Sottsass, the gallery has been known since its inception as a home for unexpected and revolutionary design. 

The first gallery in Paris to present countless 20th century creators from the Memphis Group to André Dubreuil, Shiro Kuramata to Jean Touret with the Artisans of Marolles, the Galerie Gastou has been a major force in the Parisian art scene for almost 40 years. Specializing in the decorative arts from the 20th century to today, the gallery is best known for its daring spirit to mix and combine works from different eras, styles and materials. 

From the beginning, Yves and Victor Gastou have presented pieces from historic creators like André Arbus and Gilbert Poillerat alongside those of 1970s and 80s artists including Philippe Hiquily, Ado Chale, and Paul Evans. Today, the Gastou collection of iconic 20th century furniture and design is joined by creations from contemporary artists like Agnès Debizet, Béatrice Serre, Emmanuel Jonckers, and Harumi Klossowska de Rola.

Radical Design to Refined Elegance

Since its founding in 1985, the Galerie Gastou has earned international acclaim for its commitment to championing innovative and revolutionary works of art and design. The gallery has always been a dynamic space where the most bold avant-garde artists and designers present groundbreaking exhibitions. With a discerning eye for talent and a dedication to fostering creativity, the gallery has become a sought-after destination for collectors, designers, and art enthusiasts alike.

The Galerie Gastou is renowned for its dedication to promoting exceptional design and artistry, both from earlier eras as well as contemporary creators. With a focus on showcasing innovative works by both emerging and established artists, the gallery has established itself as a major force in the world of furniture, design and the decorative arts. The gallery aims to present works balanced along the fine line between sculpture and function, following the French idea of the meuble-sculpture, or sculptural furniture.

These remarkable furniture pieces transcend their utilitarian origins, evolving into coveted collector's items. They encapsulate the spirit of their time while seamlessly blending into the realm of interior design. Each show sparks a collaborative dialogue between the needs of the client and the creativity of the artists. This unique approach results not only in custom sculptural masterpieces but also in awe-inspiring installations that grace hotels, boutiques, and restaurants worldwide.

Le Goût Gastou: A New Vision of Decorative Arts

In the art world, the traditional journey for an antiquarian involves selecting a specialization, mastering it, and, most often, finding oneself confined within its boundaries. However, for the design Gallery Gastou, the thirst for exploration and discovery renders such limitations inconceivable. This distinct approach, blending styles and eras seamlessly, has come to be known as the "Goût Gastou", or Gastou taste.

In this ceaseless pursuit of beauty and emotion, with no predetermined destination in sight, the Gastou gallery traverses the diverse currents of decorative arts with unwavering passion and commitment. In 2005, Yves was joined in this journey by his son Victor. Together, they continue to showcase whimsical and spatially innovative furniture, nurturing the vision of a liberated and carefree lifestyle.

Today, the gallery persists in its search for eclecticism, juxtaposing the design masters of the 20th century with the visionaries of the 21st, constantly pushing the boundaries of furniture and sculpture. In its relentless pursuit of novelty, the Galerie Gastou adeptly balances the desires of collectors and the demands of prestigious decorators while ensuring the artists it champions to enjoy the freedom of deep and full artistic expression.

1985 — 2025
40 Years of Discoveries

In 2025, the Galerie Gastou celebrated its 40th anniversary, an occasion marked with a major exhibition retracing the four decades of discoveries, passion and beauty that have been ever-present in the artistic direction of the Galerie. The highlight: the gallery itself.

"For us, as antique dealers, a gallery is a unique place: it lives, it evolves, it inspires us. It is a stage, a setting where we can express our vision and share our discoveries. Inheriting a gallery means inheriting a place shaped by those who came before. It is a responsibility that must be handled with care and respect.I am convinced that these objects, this beauty, help us live.

Looking back on the thousands of pieces that have passed through our hands over forty years — over eight thousand, surely — I realize that the most beautiful objects are often the most unnecessary. And yet they hold such power: they elevate us, they inspire us. A common thread constantly emerges: the sculptural quality of the pieces, this search for volume, material, and sensuality.

Through this exhibition, you will see how taste, eras, and styles have evolved to bring us to where we are today. The collection of the pieces presented for the exhibition are an embodiment of the Gastou spirit itself: works that have no obvious link, yet somehow belong together."

- Victor Gastou