Loire Valley Renaissance: Art in the Castles

A rich programme of art and culture celebrates 25 years of UNESCO World Heritage status in the Loire Valley

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Loire Valley’s UNESCO World Heritage status, several Parisian museums are lending masterpieces to the châteaux and museums of the Centre-Val de Loire region. This initiative aims to highlight the area’s rich cultural heritage and its ongoing dynamism as a “laboratory of culture”.

The Musée Guimet presents ‘Angkor: Louis Delaporte’ at the Cité Royale de Loches and the Musée Lansyer. Running until September 21, the exhibition showcases explorer Louis Delaporte’s contribution to the knowledge of Khmer art and the Angkor site, featuring sculptures and watercolours, with creative workshops for children and adults.

At the Château Royal de Blois, the Musée d’Orsay is exhibiting Edouard Manet’s Le Citron, which echoes Renaissance concerns about preserving exotic species, until July 28.

The Château de Tours hosts ‘Shepard Fairey dit OBEY’ from the Jeu de Paume Paris until December 7, exploring Fairey’s diverse work, including the Obama ‘HOPE’ poster, with more than 400 pieces showcasing his use of urban and propaganda art to inspire awareness.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours presents ‘Rebirth of a Masterpiece: The Virgin and Child by Michel Colombe’ from the Musée du Louvre until November 3, focusing on the 16th-century sculpture’s history and restoration.

Also, returning for its third edition, is AR(T]CHIPEL, connecting contemporary works from the Centre Pompidou with historical locations until November 2.

These are just a few highlights from the expansive Nouvelles Renaissance(s) cultural programme which underscores the area’s commitment to preserving and reimagining its cultural heritage.

www.centre-valdeloire.fr

From France Today Magazine