An Icon Among Shower Toilets: TOTO and WASHLET NEOREST WX on Display at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris

The Louvre is one of the most visited landmarks in Paris. While it is globally celebrated for housing the iconic Mona Lisa, the former royal palace also contains the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, or the "Museum of Decorative Arts". This institution boasts an extraordinary collection spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary design. Renowned for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach, the museum is currently hosting an intriguing exhibition titled “L'intime de la chambre aux réseaux sociaux” (“Private Lives – From the Bedroom to Social Media”).

Running until 30 March 2025, the exhibition explores the evolution of privacy over the centuries – from the seclusion of the bedroom or bathroom to the performative self-presentation on social media. It delves into how technological advancements and societal changes, from the 18th century to the modern day, have transformed our understanding of intimacy. The exhibition showcases 470 objects, including paintings, photographs, everyday items, and design innovations. Among these, the iconic TOTO WASHLET takes centre stage as a symbol of modern bathroom innovation.

Musée des Arts Décoratifs at the Louvre has an impressive collection ranging from mediaeval art to modern design. The latest exhibition, “L'intime de la chambre aux réseaux sociaux“ (“Private Lives – From the Bedroom to Social Media”), examines the transformation of the private sphere from a variety of different perspectives. Photo: Les Arts Décoratifs/Luc Boegly

The Bathroom Through Time

Within the exhibition, the NEOREST WX – TOTO’s luxury shower toilet featuring its signature WASHLET technology – is displayed alongside historical sanitary objects from past centuries. These include the bourdaloue (a porcelain vessel used by women for public urination in the 18th and 19th centuries), commodes, bidets, and pissoirs. Together, these items illustrate the historical progression and cultural significance of the bathroom as an intimate space.

The exhibition compares TOTO NEOREST WX to sanitary objects from past centuries. It was curated by Christine Macel, Director of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, in collaboration with design and architecture historian Fulvio Irace. The impressive scenography is by renowned Italian architect Italo Rota. Photo: Les Arts Décoratifs Luc Boegly

Privacy from Varied Perspectives

The exhibition highlights the emergence and transformation of the concept of privacy through the ages. Featured works include those by renowned artists such as French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, celebrated for his meticulously composed black-and-white images, and American photographer Nan Goldin, whose starkly honest works depict intimate moments.

Societal changes, including the shifting meaning of luxury, are also examined. The exhibition explores how innovations have gradually made once-exclusive luxuries more accessible to the general public. Additionally, it addresses “problematic privacy” issues, including challenges in personal relationships, social media usage, and the handling of personal data.

TOTO NEOREST WX is juxtaposed with photographs from British artist Sarah Lucas and American photographer Nan Goldin, both of whom publicly showed the intimacy of the bathroom in their work – causing a sensation in the 20thcentury. Photo: Les Arts Décoratifs/Luc Boegly

TOTO: Pioneering Intimate Hygiene

As a trailblazer in modern hygiene technologies, TOTO has redefined bathroom standards with its WASHLET innovations. For over 40 years, the company has not only transformed the bathroom experience but has also influenced cultural perceptions of privacy and intimacy. The NEOREST WX serves as a prime example of how modern technology has elevated the concept of personal hygiene to an art form.

Blending functionality with design, TOTO illustrates how privacy has evolved from a purely private concern to a curated aspect of daily life. The widespread adoption of WASHLET technology, with over 60 million units sold globally, has influenced both societal norms and aesthetic expectations.

On display through 30 March 2025, the exhibition presents the historic development of privacy – from deeply personal spaces to public self-presentation on social networks. 

NEOREST WX: Redefining Comfort

The NEOREST WX by TOTO merges premium materials with award-winning design and cutting-edge hygiene technologies. Recognised with the Red Dot Award 2023 and the iF Design Award 2023, this model introduces a new standard in intimate hygiene.

The innovative Ewater+ technology uses electrolysed water to cleanse the wand and ceramic bowl, significantly reducing bacterial growth and ensuring continuous cleanliness. The NEOREST WX2 further incorporates Actilight technology, which employs photocatalysis to break down dirt and waste.

Touch-free features enhance convenience for all users. These include an automatic seat that raises and lowers, a flush volume that adapts to usage time, and user profiles with personalised settings. A multilingual remote control ensures ease of use, while a subtle LED light helps users navigate in the dark.

Guided by the Japanese tradition of striving for perfection, TOTO has seamlessly combined design, comfort, hygiene, and usability in the NEOREST WX model, delivering a wellness experience that is truly unparalleled.

Explore “L'intime de la chambre aux réseaux sociaux” at Paris’s Musée des Arts Décoratifs, on display until 30 March 2025.

Did you know? Since the 2016 renovations, the men’s and women’s bathrooms at the Louvre have been equipped with state-of-the-art TOTO toilets, urinals, washbasins, and hand dryers – bringing modern hygiene and design to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.

To learn more about the innovative NEOREST WX2 and its cutting-edge features, visit TOTO NEOREST WX2’s page.