Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Marguerite and Aimé Maeght Foundation, founded in 1964 in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, was born of friendship between the Maeght couple and major artists of the 20th century such as Miró, Giacometti or Braque. This project, funded entirely by the Maeght, aims to offer a place to exchange art, nature and architecture, designed by Catalan architect Josep Lluís Sert. Inaugurated by André Malraux, it became the first independent foundation of modern art in France, free of its cultural and artistic choices.

The Maeght couple, publishers and gallery owners, developed a printing shop in Cannes in 1930, then opened the Maeght gallery in Paris in 1945, exhibiting Matisse, Calder or Giacometti. Their foundation project emerged after the death of their son Bernard in 1953, inspired by American models such as the Barnes Foundation. The site, organized as a "village of artists", incorporates works in situ by Miró, Braque or Giacometti, combining architecture, sculptures and gardens.

The Maeght Foundation has one of Europe's richest collections, with 13,000 works (paintings, sculptures, drawings) and 40,000 books, including major ensembles by Giacometti and Miró. Since 1964, it has organized more than 150 exhibitions, combining modern art, contemporary art and multicultural events (music, dance, cinema). Recognized for its public utility, it combines heritage conservation and innovation, as evidenced by its recent extensions (2024) and its HQE label.

The building, a precursor to sustainable architecture, uses natural light, ventilation and rainwater, with spaces designed as open workshops. The Saint Bernard Chapel, a symbolic heart, houses a 12th century Christ and works by Braque and Ubac. The gardens, such as the Miró Labyrinth, incorporate monumental sculptures in ceramic, marble or bronze, creating a dialogue between art and nature.

The Maeght have collaborated with artists to design every detail, from Chagall mosaics to Diego Giacometti furniture. Their vision of a "great workshop" is translated into events such as the Foundation Nights (1965–1970), combining experimental music and avant-garde theatre. Today, the Foundation remains a living place, combining heritage and creation, as evidenced by its exhibitions for 60 years in 2024.

Labeled a 20th century heritage, the Maeght Foundation embodies the legacy of a visionary couple and their artistic friendships. Its model, combining financial independence and cultural openness, makes it a key player in the French and international artistic scene, while preserving a site where architecture, art and landscape are only one.

Collection

Ouverte toute l'année, sept jours sur sept, la fondation Maeght accueille chaque année plus de 200 000 visiteurs et possède une des plus importantes collections en Europe de peintures, sculptures, des oeuvres graphiques du xxe siècle.

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