Through sites and monuments, museums and exhibitions, discover this exceptional cultural destination’s greatest treasures.The French Riviera has enchanted and subjugated some of the most famous artists and other personalities. Now the time has come to succumb to the charm! Come and discover some of the finest museums in France that have recently reopened their doors!
PICASSO MUSEUM IN ANTIBES
Since the 20th July 2008 this magnificent museum has reopened its doors The Picasso museum, dedicated to the artist while he was still living, is housed in the Grimaldi Château with an uninterrupted view of the Mediterranean. The artist, having fallen in love with Antibes and its castle stayed here for several months, set up his studio here and created many works here. His works essentially reflect the joy of living. Exceptional donations from artists and the town’s acquisitions have made it possible to create an incredible collection of modern art featuring the works of Gliezer, Ernst, Magnelli, Picabia, Hartung, Arman, César, Klein and others. An exceptional Exhibition: [Picasso 1945-1949: the Era of Renewal] – Picasso Museum in Antibes From March 28th until June 28th 2009 Come springtime 2009, Antibes Juan-Les-Pins will be celebrating the metamorphosis of its Picasso museum with an exceptional exhibit entitled Picasso 1945 – 1949: The Era of Renewal. The 150 works on display, some of which have never been displayed in Antibes before, come partly from the Museum’s collections, partly from private collections. For more information: www.antibesjuanlespins.com
2009: A YEAR DEDICADED TO PICASSO
Follow and discover the touristic and cultural itinerary on the footsteps of Picasso in Provence - Côte d’Azur! Provence has long been celebrated by painters and writers expressing the shimmer of its light, the sensual climate, the diversity of the landscapes, the beauty of the Mediterranean and countless other aspects. Provence and the Côte d’Azur played an essential role in Picasso’s tumultuous life. The creation, love, friendship and death of the great Spanish artist in these powerful lands continue to be felt through the prism of Picasso’s perusal. For more information: www.picassoenprovencecotedazur.com
FERNAND LEGER NATIONAL MUSEUM IN BIOT
The reopening of the Fernand Léger National Museum in Biot was a long-awaited event. Closed over two years ago for restoration, the museum finally opened its doors again on June 20th, 2008, offering visitors restructured interior areas. With over 450 works, this collection is of exceptional quality. From the works of his youth to the great postwar paintings, it provides a consistent and particularly interesting view of the career of the French artist Fernand Léger, one of the great names in international modern art, with all periods represented. The Museum also features several hundred drawings from different periods, a remarkable complement to the series of paintings and ceramics. For more information: www.musee-fernandleger.fr
INTERNATIONAL PEFUMERY MUSEUM (MIP) IN GRASSE
A major event, both in France and worldwide, the world’s only public museum dedicated to the history of the prestigious perfume industry reopened on October 18th, 2008. After four years of work requiring the closing of the Museum, the MIP was completely restructured to add more activity, modernity and elegance to the rich heritage displayed throughout its 3,200 square meters, blending classical architecture and contemporary architectural concepts. The Museum tour offers a chance to discover the history of perfumery, from its origins to the present around a subtle universal theme, ‘Smells, Fragrances and Flavors over Time on all Continents’. In addition to the permanent exhibition, temporary exhibitions and colloquia, the MIP features a fully equipped, modular 80-seat meeting room, a documentation centre/library, rooms for educational workshops and activities, a restaurant and a museum shop. This truly unique museum guarantees an exciting an audiovisual olfactory experience! For more information: www.museesdegrasse.com