Cultural events


The Côte d'Azur and Provence still cultivate their taste for art and propose many exhibitions,
plays and other events all year long. Focus on our flourishing cultural activities.



After Beijing and Tokyo, Chaumet set sail for the most legendary of all principalities to unveil rare creations in this exhibition-event, some presented for the first time to the public : about 250 bejewelled pieces, artworks and historic gems on loan from museums, great families and royal courts. Until August 28th. Grimaldi Forum, 10 avenue Princesse Grace, Monaco.

Twenty-one years after she passed on, Jackie is as fascinating as ever. This photo retrospective consisting of about 100 images is devoted to the “Kennedy” part of her life. This woman with regal bearing and an innovative, modern look was seen as the “Queen of the USA”. A fine tribute. Until September 1st. Galerie Joseph Turenne, 16 rue des Minimes, Paris 3 (01 42 71 20 22).

In a year celebrating the 60th anniversary of France’s Ministry of Culture, Artcurial is auctioning on June 19th the private and hitherto unseen collection of André Malraux, the first man to head the Ministry. Comprised of about 100 items, it includes paintings, sculptures, books, manuscripts, letters, furniture and “objets d’art”, testifying to his passions and friendships with great artists such as Braque, Miro and Picasso. June 19th. Artcurial, 7 rond point des Champs-Elysées, Paris 8 (www.artcurial.com).

This edition pays tribute to the proliferation of Italian creativity with a “Terra Italia” exhibition in partnership with the International Ceramics Museum of Faenza. Focusing on innovation, the Biennale offers demonstrations, studio visits, a workshop, and a presentation of the Magnelli Museum’s collection of works by Picasso. From june 29th to november 4th. Musée Magnelli, musée de la Céramique, place de la Libération. Vallauris (04 93 64 71 83).

Putting in perspective the life and work of Picasso in the Mediterranean by studying the deep bonds uniting the artist with this part of the world, this poetic and immersive exhibition invites visitors to explore this important chapter in the master’s destiny. From June 4th to October 6th. Musée National Picasso, 5 rue de Thorigny, Paris 3 (www.museepicasso.fr).

The final chapter of the exhibition entitled “Vis-à-vis 3. Fernand Léger et ses ami.e.s”, this event places works from the National Fernand Léger Museum face to face with those of other artists, either painters or sculptors, with whom Fernand Léger (1881-1955) became friends or developed artistic relationships in the course of his career. This chapter explores two very classic subjets : the landscape, and portrayal of the human figure. Until November 23rd. Musée national Fernand Léger, chemin du Val de Pôme, Biot (04 92 91 50 30).

Chosen by French President Emmanuel Macron to orchestrate the dinner honouring Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beaulieu-sur-Mer in March, 3-star chef Christophe Bacquié is creating a new buzz. He has invited Chef Sébastien Vauxion from the world’s N°1 gastronomic restaurant for desserts, Le SarKara in Courchevel, to compose a unique dinner “prepared by four hands” on May 17th. By reservation only. 260 € excluding drinks. Hôtel du Castellet, 3001 route des Hauts du Camps, Le Castellet (04 94 98 37 77).

More than 50 years after the “Exhibition of the Century” drawing over 1,200,000 visitors to Paris in 1967, this event offers a unique chance to rediscover the tale of the most famous of all the Pharaohs. Visitors are immersed in Ancient Egypt where they accompany Tutankhamun on his journey towards immortality and admire the artistic perfection of each objet on display. Not to be missed. Until September 15th, Grande Halle de la Villette, 211 avenue Jean-Jaurès, Paris 19. (01 40 03 75 75).

On the occasion of Monaco Art Week to be held in the Principality from April 24th to 28th, the famous Parisian auction house specializing in artworks and luxury items will inaugurate a gallery with an exhibition of sculptures by artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Takis, César, Arman, Bernar Venet, Hans Arp, Wang Du and Richard Deacon are on the prestigious list for this event which will end on July 19th with an auction at the Hôtel Hermitage. Artcurial, 3 - 9 boulevard des Moulins, Monaco (www.artcurial.com)

Plants, minerals and the human body are highlighted in about 50 works demonstrating an open dialogue maintained by artist Frédérique Lucien with the work of Henri Matisse for over 30 years. A multifaceted undertaking in both the techniques and mediums employed. Until June 2nd. Musée Matisse, 164 avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, Nice (04 93 81 08 08).

Encounters, concerts, master classes… Classical music in all its excellence lies at the heart of the “Printemps des Arts” which daringly opts for original venues, sometimes grandiose, like the Opéra Garnier, sometimes more unexpected. This high-flying event aims to offer audiences rare moments with extraordinary performers such as violonist Renaud Capuçon, who will be on stage both solo and with his quartet. From March 15th to April 14th Monaco (www.printempsdesarts.com).

Such is the title of this exhibition devoted to the work of two artists, Aam Solleveld of Holland and French-born Joséphine Kaeppelin. They both participated in transforming the site to reconfigure the space in ephemeral style. A disconcerting exhibition in which fictional decor offers reality hitherto unseen. Until March 24th. Suquet des Artistes, 7 rue Saint-Dizier, Cannes (04 97 06 45 21).

The Salon du Dessin is back beneath the vaulted ceilings of the Palais Brongniart. For its 28th edition, it will welcome 39 galleries from all over the world. One of the exhibitors, the Austrian gallery Wienerroither & Kohlbacher, will present drawings by Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt, and others from the collections of the Musée Carnavalet on the theme of “Fêtes et Spectacles à Paris”. From march 27th to april 1st, Salon du Dessin, palais Brongniart, place de la Bourse, Paris 2 (www.salondudessin.com).

Artcurial is organizing an original, exclusively on-line auction of iconic creations by the genius Martin Margiela, following the retrospective devoted to his work at the Palais Galliera, the fashion museum of the Ville de Paris. This collection presents 200 pieces, rare, off-beat clothing and accessories, designed from 1989 to 2009. Exposition from february 26th to march 11th. On line sale : march from 6th to 11th. Arcturial, 7, Rond-Point des Champs Elysées, Paris 8 (www.artcurial.com).

This major exhibition explores the cultural impact of the personality and work of Michael Jackson on the contemporary art scene from 1980 to the present day. Until February 14th. Grand Palais, 3 avenue du Général Eisenhower, Paris 8 (www.grandpalais.fr)

A leading figure in British contemporary art, London artist Grayson Perry offers works in metal, ceramics, tapestries and engravings, all conveying ironic and even scathing reflections on universal issues such as identity, gender, social classes, religion and sexuality. Until february 3rd. Monnaie de Paris, 11 quai de Conti, Paris 6 (www.monnaiedeparis.fr).

Artcurial is presenting its essential rendez-vous at Monaco’s Yacht Club for collectors and fans of jewellery, collector watches and vintage Hermès bags. Ladies’ watches will take pride of place in the selection “Le Temps est Féminin”, proposing exceptional pieces such as this “Serpent” watch in yellow gold, enamel and diamonds, estimated from 100,000 to 150,000 €. January fron 23th to 25th. Yacht Club de Monaco, quai Louis II, Monaco (www.artcurial.com).

An ambitious fresco, this version of “Lorenzaccio” is a hybrid work of remarkable originality. The choreographers have succeeded in creating symbiosis between dance and theatre, giving an intemporal performance sketching a portrait of mankind which has lost its bearings, on a desperate quest, gracefully interpreted by La Pietragalla. January 20th. Palais des Festivas et des Congrès, 1 boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes (04 92 98 62 77).

Coinciding with the release of his book entitled “Endangered”, English artist Tim Flach, winner of the 54th Cannes Lion’s Prize, presents an exhibition of 20 photographs of animals. Hitherto unseen, these images offer a visually poignant observation of the way in which animals and their ecosystems are confronted by major challenges to their survival. Until February 28th. Opiom Gallery, 11 chemin du Village, Opio (04 93 09 00 00).

In parallel to the exhibition covering the short but very prolific career of Jean-Michel Basquiat at the Louis Vuitton Foundation, this collection of portraits reveal the naturalness and freshness of this young artist that the entire world would celebrate in the following decades. Signed by Japanese photographer Yutaka Sakano, they were shot in a day of complicity in Tokyo, in 1983. Until January 19th. Galerie Patrick Gutknecht, 78 rue de Turenne, Paris 3 (01 43 70 56 18).