Fondation Maeght Extension – Saint Paul de Vence, France
Title
Fondation Maeght Extension – Saint Paul de Vence, France
Designed by
Silvio d’Ascia Architecture
Image Credit
© Sergio Grazia
Website Source
Project Description
Inspired by large American foundations, the visionary couple Marguerite and Aimé Maeght - printers and gallery owners for some of the most important artists of the 20th century - imagined the first foundation dedicated to modern and contemporary art in France. Inaugurated in 1964 by André Malraux, this place was designed by architect Josep Lluís Sert for and with the artists. Ahead of its time, Sert already took into account ecology (impluviums to collect rainwater, the orientation of the building) and dialogue in perfect
harmony with the landscape and the works specially created by Georges Braque, Joan Miró, Pierre Tal Coat, Marc Chagall, Pol Bury, Diego Giacometti, or Raoul Ubac.
Today, the Fondation Maeght, classified as "Remarkable Architecture of the 20th Century," is one of the jewels of the French cultural landscape, enjoying significant global recognition. With over 130,000 visitors per year, the foundation remains one of the beacons of modern art. However, with only 850 m2 of interior exhibition space, the Foundation could not accommodate both a temporary exhibition and a significant part of its permanent collection, which comprises more than 13,000 works. Anticipated by Aimé Maeght as early as 1973, the need for additional spaces became more pressing than ever.
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Project description provided by Silvio d’Ascia Architecture - The extension project allows the Fondation Maeght to satisfy the needs of every visitor - curious to discover one of the most important collections of modern art in Europe, which will be presented on a rotating basis - as well as to improve the quality of the visit, enrich the programming, offering indoors conferences, screenings, performances, study days, and concerts. The project will also diversify the economic model of the foundation, which, for its operation and programming, works with its own resources. The expanded surface of the Foundation (500 m2 of extension plus 80 m2 of
conversion of existing spaces) will allow the design and development of ever more ambitious exhibitions, continuing the original spirit of the avant-garde of modern and contemporary art.
The extension project of the Fondation Maeght respects the original architecture, structure, and spirit of Josep Lluís Sert, enlarging the exhibition spaces, thus continuing to ensure a unique programming with international resonance. These new spaces are dug underground and open through large windows at the back of the building towards the valley.
