Rodin, Picasso and More: 5 Must-See Shows in France this Summer

The Rodin centenary is the engine behind some of this year’s unmissable exhibitions…

Rodin, The Centenary

The flagship exhibition of the year at the Grand Palais is paying homage to France’s most revered sculptor, exploring the dreams and glory of the ‘poet of passion’. With over 200 works by Rodin, the exhibition also explores Rodin’s lasting influence and legacy in sculptures and drawings by Bourdelle, Brancusi, Picasso, Matisse, Giacometti, Beuys, Baselitz and Gormley, among others, and casts a new light on this master of sculpture.

Until July 31. Website: rodin100.org

Kiefer-Rodin

On the centenary of the death of Auguste Rodin, the Musée Rodin gives carte blanche to contemporary artist Anselm Kiefer to ‘meet’ the great master in creative spirit across a century.

Until October 22. Website: www.musee-rodin.fr

Olga Picasso

Through a selection of more than 350 drawings, paintings, photographs and documents, the exhibit at the Musée Picasso in the Marais pays tribute to the artist’s first wife and explores the highs and lows of their relationship as seen through Picasso’s evolving work.

Until September 3. Website: www.museepicassoparis.fr

Picasso in Boisgeloup

A glimpse at Picasso’s ‘secret atelier’. For an artist that made the promotion of his public image an integral part of his art, relatively few people know that the renowned artist discretely lived and worked in Normandy for five years. Rouen’s fine art museum devotes an unprecedented exhibition to this period in his oeuvre.

Until September 11. Website: www.mbarouen.fr

Dawn of the Superheroes

A great place to take the kids… and a perfect excuse for adults to revisit their childhood favourites. The ever imaginative Art Ludique museum in Paris brings a unique look at the contemporary mythology of the original Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, as well as other superheroes – and villains.

Until September 10. Website: www.artludique.com

From France Today magazine