The Louvre is one of the most popular destinations in Paris. In addition to the world-renowned Mona Lisa, the former royal palace is also home to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, or the “Museum of the Decorative Arts”. Its collection is impressive, featuring objects from the Middle Ages to works of contemporary design. Musée des Arts Décoratifs is also known for their innovative and interdisciplinary approach, which shapes the latest exhibition: “L'intime de la chambre aux réseaux sociaux“ (“Private Lives – From the Bedroom to Social Media”).
Running through 30 March 2025, the exhibition illustrates the evolution of privacy over the past centuries – from one’s own bedroom or bathroom to public self-presentation on social networks. It examines how technological developments and societal changes – from the 18th century to the present day – have impacted our relationship to privacy, and how social media is redefining the concept of intimacy. This development is shown in a total of 470 works, consisting of paintings, photographs, everyday items and design objects. An icon among shower toilets, TOTO WASHLET is also part of this exhibition.
The bathroom throughout time
In the exhibition, NEOREST WX – TOTO’s high-end toilet featuring WASHLET for intimate cleansing – is presented in contrast to sanitary objects from the past few centuries. These include the bourdaloue, a porcelain vessel that women used to urinate in public in the 18th and 19th centuries, a commode, bidets and pissoirs. Together, these objects explain the history and the development of this intimate space.
Privacy from different perspectives
The exhibition shows how the private sphere has emerged and completely evolved over the years. This is shown in works by multiple artists, including French photographer Henri Cartier Bresson, known for his perfectly composed black and white photos, and American photographer Nan Goldin, whose works show the stark directness of intimate moments.
The exhibition also examines societal developments, including how the significance of luxury has changed over time. It explores how innovations have gradually made luxury accessible to the mainstream and continue to do so today. The show also presents the results of scientific research on various topics, including “problematic privacy”, whether in interpersonal relationships, social media or in the handling of personal data.
TOTO – pioneering intimate hygiene
As a pioneer in the development of modern hygiene technologies, TOTO has not only redefined standards in the bathroom with WASHLET. Over the past 40 years, the company has also shaped how people understand personal privacy and intimacy. This is why the exhibition showcases NEOREST WX as an example of modern privacy.
The blend of functionality and design reflects how intimacy has developed from something purely private to the staging of an aspect of everyday life. The physical experience of privacy isn’t the only thing that changes when someone uses WASHLET. Innovations in bathroom technology along with the over 60 million WASHLET models sold by TOTO world-wide have also done their part in shaping societal norms and aesthetic ideas.
NEOREST WX – for pure comfort
TOTO’s NEOREST WX combines high-quality materials and award-winning design with innovative hygiene technologies. Recipient of the Red Dot Award 2023 and iF Design Award 2023, this model offers a new dimension of intimate hygiene. Integrated Ewater+ technology cleans the wand and ceramic bowl with electrolysed water, minimizing the formation of bacteria to ensure constant cleanliness. NEOREST WX2 also features Actilight technology, which uses photocatalytic processes to break down dirt and waste. Touch-free functionalities elevate the level of comfort for all generations considerably. These include the seat, which raises and lowers automatically, as well as the flush volume, which is based on the amount of time the person uses the toilet. User profiles with individual settings and a remote control in multiple languages make WASHLET incredibly easy to use. A gentle LED light helps people find their way in the dark. In line with the Japanese tradition of striving for perfection, TOTO has united design, comfort, hygiene and user-friendliness in the NEOREST WX model – delivering a wellness experience unlike any other.
WHERE TECH MEETS TRADITION - HARMONISING HOTEL DESIGN [more]
TOTO has an extensive range of washbasins to transform the bath into a personal spa – offering a wealth of design possibilities.[more]
A quick and affordable option for outpatient care: Equipped with TOTO WASHLET, the senior module from WOLF System GmbH helps people close the gap in healthcare.[more]
TOTO WASHLET takes every hotel bathroom to a new level – achieving the ideal balance between luxury, well-being and more pragmatic standards in the hotel business.[more]
Using sophisticated technologies, TOTO’s Flotation Tubs promise to put the body in the perfect ergonomic position for maximum relaxation.[more]
TOTO’s London exhibition shows the latest bathroom technologies in the context of traditional Japanese culture.[more]
This top trending product is the greatest innovation of the past few years. In 2009, TOTO introduced its WASHLET shower toilet in Europe – starting a revolution in the bathroom.[more]
Munich Marriott Hotel City West: TOTO WASHLET featured in rooms of all categories.[more]
TOTO’s new design is intentionally approachable. NEOREST WX, the new toilet with integrated WASHLET, is the quintessential expression of TOTO’s expertise. It stands for an innovative and integrated design.[more]
TOTO aims to draw 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2040. Nearly 80% of the company’s global product portfolio will be sustainable by 2030.[more]
An extraordinary experience: TOTO presents new, award-winning high-end toilet with integrated WASHLET, available in two models: NEOREST WX1 and NEOREST WX2.[more]
The new five-star Hotel Rosewood Vienna brings state-of-the-art technology to a historic landmark – including the bathrooms, which feature the exclusive NEOREST® WASHLET® EW 2.0 from TOTO.[more]
Global player TOTO shows their commitment to sustainability with a large-scale exhibition in the Forum.[more]
In 2022, the Japanese bathroom supplier was able to break the 60 million mark. Since its market launch in 1980, the number of WASHLET models sold around the world has grown faster and faster[more]
Ava Gardner and Ernest Hemingway used to stay at Hotel Imperator in the southern French city of Nimes. TOTO WASHLET delivers the ultimate comfort and hygiene in the wellness-inspired bathrooms in this completely renovated...[more]
TOTO has outstanding expertise in shower toilets – and WeberHaus customers who enjoy their wellness-oriented bathrooms agree.[more]
A new attitude to life enters the bathroom with a shower toilet[more]
Designing the right bathroom for older adults: TOTO’s shower toilet is key to self-determined living.[more]
The right faucet for every washbasin: TOTO presents two new awardwinning automatic faucets – and the new ECO CAP technology to reduce water consumption.[more]
THE TOKYO TOILET, a project conducted by the Nippon Foundation, is the public toilet which can be used comfortably by everyone at 17 locations in Shibuya. TOTO is proposing toilet area layouts, including investigation of the...[more]
By 2040, TOTO is planning to get 100% of its power from renewable energy sources. The company has also joined the international RE100 initiative.[more]
Are you an editor or journalist? Sign up for our press distribution list to get the latest news from TOTO.