The Rebirth of La Malmaison – Cannes’ New Era of Contemporary Art 

There’s a new artistic brilliance shimmering along the iconic Croisette in Cannes. The newly reopened La Malmaison, a historic Belle Époque villa, has been reborn as an international beacon of contemporary art.

Following a two-year, multi-million-euro renovation, this landmark now has a fresh identity and a clear mission: to elevate Cannes’ status on the global art scene.  

La Malmaison has witnessed Cannes’ unfolding story since 1864. Originally built as an annex to the Grand Hôtel, it evolved from a retreat for wealthy vacationers into a prestigious art center. Officially reopened on January 31, 2025, the villa’s transformation marks a cultural renaissance for the city. 

The renovation has tripled the exhibition space, expanding from 207 to 600 square meters. While respecting the villa’s storied heritage, modern additions include a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean, a specialised art bookstore, and a multipurpose room for cultural events. Accessibility was also prioritized, ensuring all visitors can enjoy the venue’s offerings. 

“This is a key project of our mandate that we’re bringing to life,” shares Cannes’ Mayor David Lisnard. “It’s centered around art and culture, which are core to social life, and will help boost tourism and the elegance of Cannes, further raising the city’s profile on the international stage.” 

A Sanctuary for Global Artistic Talent

Far more than a structural renovation, La Malmaison now positions itself as a serious player in the international art world. Expected to attract upwards of 80,000 visitors annually, the center boasts cutting-edge facilities and flexible exhibition spaces across three floors, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. 

Three major exhibitions are planned each year, balancing works by established masters with contemporary talents. This complements Cannes’ broader cultural offerings, such as Le Suquet des Artistes, a creative hub supporting emerging artists. The reopening further strengthens Cannes’ reputation as a year-round cultural hotspot, following its recognition as the “World’s Best Destination for Festivals and Events” at the World Travel Awards 2024. 

Luxe, Calme et Volupté: a journey through painting in the South of France

The inaugural exhibition, Luxe, Calme et Volupté, running until April 20, 2025, celebrates the enduring allure of the South of France. Featuring 129 works from 56 artists, including Monet, Cézanne, Renoir, and Picasso, it reflects how the region’s luminous skies and vibrant landscapes have inspired generations of creatives. The exhibition’s title originates from the poem L’Invitation au Voyage by Baudelaire. Matisse later took the text as inspiration for his 1904 pointillism work of the same name. 

Curated by Hanna Baudet and Amélie Adamo, the exhibition captures the timeless magic of the South, from Impressionism to the present, exploring the Midi’s role as a muse for artistic innovation. 

Take in the candyfloss pink and blues of Monet’s Monte-Carlo vu de Roquebrune, marvel at the hyper realism of Belgrand and Bourdarel, whose paintings are so lifelike they’re often mistaken for photographs. You’ll feel like you could step straight into the wedding party scene from Philippe Pradalié’s La Noce. Such is the pull of the viewer towards the expansive work, with azure skies and marine pines so realistic you can just smell them. 

A fusion of heritage and creativity

Architect Nelson Wilmotte describes the mission: “The architectural challenge we took on was to restore this historic site to its former glory while meeting the demands of a modern space dedicated to art.”   

The villa’s historic façade remains intact, now beautifully illuminated at night. Inside, modern spaces blend seamlessly with the building’s original bones. The rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of the Croisette and the shimmering Mediterranean, with the Lérins Islands visible in the distance. 

Artist Pierre Bonnard said ‘The best thing about a museum are the windows’. Here they allow nature and art to converse. Floor to ceiling windows let in that fabled light bouncing off the Mediterranean, filtered by the gentle movement of fronds from towering palms.  

A surprising detail in La Malmaison’s history connects past and present: when the villa first opened on October 1, 1864, it was inaugurated by a five-year-old boy who would later become King Alexander I of Yugoslavia. It’s a fitting symbol for the villa’s renewed focus on art education, aimed at inspiring a new generation of enthusiasts.  

Family visits on Sundays by reservation offer 20-minute guided tours followed by a goûter (snack), and are an interactive and fun experience for children and parents alike. During the school year, guided tours for students—lasting 45 minutes to an hour— encourage young minds to engage with creativity. 

With its bold programming, reimagined spaces, and a renewed sense of cultural purpose, La Malmaison promises to become a lighthouse of creativity for Cannes. This Riviera renaissance is only just beginning.

Luxe, Calme et Volupté Exhibition Details: 

Dates:
Until Sunday, April 20, 2025 

Opening Hours:
Tue to Sun: from 10 AM to 1 PM and from 2 PM to 6 PM 

Address:
La Malmaison
47 Boulevard de la Croisette 

Prices
Full price: €6.50; Reduced price: €3.50
(From 18 to 25 years old, Cannes Pass Culture); Free admission
(Under 18, student, job seeker, holder of a disability card and their companion) 

Book tickets here 

Information: (+33) 04 97 06 45 21