Royère:
Birth of the Polar

Birth of the Polar
A celebration of Jean Royère’s iconic sofa

Birth of the Polar explores the history and making of Jean Royère’s iconic Ours Polaire sofa, opening the atelier doors to reveal the inner workings of one of the most renowned designs of the 20th century.

Jean Royère conceived the Ours Polaire (Polar Bear) sofa in 1946. The generous, rounded silhouette wraps and envelops the sitter, creating a place of comfort and refuge that reflects its context of post-war exuberance — a sensation that still resonates today.

Epitomizing the highest level of French savoir-faire, the Ours Polaire sofa is expertly crafted by skilled artisans in Lyon, France, using the same traditional techniques employed during Jean Royère’s day. The solid beech frame, reminiscent of the hull of a boat, is laid with layers of natural materials to create the ultimate comfort.

Explore the Ours Polaire sofa from the archives to the atelier at Royère Gallery and experience the same comforting embrace that has been appreciated for the last seven decades.

Birth of the Polar is on view 7-30 May 2025 at Royère Gallery, 315 Spring Street.

Visit our New York gallery for our Open House on Friday, May 16, from 2 to 5 PM, or anytime during NYCxDESIGN, to experience the beauty and savoir-faire of Jean Royère’s work in a warm and thoughtful environment.
(Gallery hours: Monday–Friday, 10 AM–6 PM, and by appointment.)