The visionary renovation of a cultural landmark reaffirms the city’s increasingly vital role as a French hub of international art and culture

Situated on the famed Boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes’ last Belle Époque building, La Malmaison , has long been a sanctuary for contemporary art. Originally part of the Grand Hôtel built in the 1860s, the villa was later repurposed as an exhibition space dedicated to modern and contemporary art. After closing in early 2023 for a much-needed meticulous multi-year renovation, the storied institution has now reopened its doors fully revitalised and expanded from 207 m² to 600 m², ensuring its continued growing relevance on the international arts stage.

Over the decades, La Malmaison has hosted select oeuvres by some of the most significant names in the artistic canon. Works by 20th century titans like Dali, Picasso, Matisse, and Miró have graced its walls, but also those of contemporary luminaries such as Barthélémy Toguo, Fiona Rae, or Kehinde Wiley, whose Peintre de l’épopée marked his first solo exhibition in a French institution, reflecting its commitment to a diverse artistic vision. This remarkable legacy was a driving force behind the ambitious restoration, designed to safeguard La Malmaison’s artistic prestige for future generations.

A Necessary Revival

Despite its illustrious past, time had taken its toll on La Malmaison. A few years ago, the building was overdue for a major upgrade: Structural limitations, outdated facilities, and accessibility issues made it difficult for curators and visitors alike. Under the leadership of Mayor David Lisnard, and with the inspired expertise of SEETA – Wilmotte & Associés Architecte, the City of Cannes took on the challenge of a bold renovation – not just to preserve La Malmaison but to elevate it into a world-class arts venue.

“By restoring and expanding La Malmaison, we are giving Cannes a contemporary arts centre worthy of its international standing,” said Mayor Lisnard at the reopening ceremony on January 31, 2025. “This is not just about renovation; it is about reinvention.”

The Transformation: Merging Heritage with Innovation

The renovation carefully balanced architectural preservation with modern innovation. While the villa’s historic façade retains its 19th-century elegance, the interior has been dramatically reimagined. State-of-the-art lighting, climate control, and display systems now meet international museum standards, ensuring that artworks are housed in optimal conditions.

A striking addition is the expanded exhibition hall, which significantly increases La Malmaison’s capacity to host major international shows. This newfound spatial flexibility enables the curation of immersive, large-scale installations, while dedicated digital art spaces position the venue firmly in the 21st century. The redesigned layout fosters a seamless flow between past and present, creating an environment where classical and contemporary art coexist in dynamic conversation.

The Grand Reopening

Running though 20 April 2025, the inaugural exhibition, Luxe, Calme et Volupté, encapsulates the essence of La Malmaison’s rebirth. Borrowing its title from Matisse’s iconic Fauvist masterpiece, the exhibition explores the enduring artistic fascination with the Mediterranean. Spanning from the late 19th century to the present day, it showcases 129 works by 56 modern and contemporary artists, as diverse as Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, Auguste Renoir, Pierre Bonnard, Philippe Pradalié, Robert Combas, Louis Cane or Adrien Belgrand. Each artist, in their own way, has engaged with the region’s luminous landscapes, capturing its unique interplay of light, colour, and atmosphere. And it only takes a quick look through the imposing windows of the exhibition rooms, framing the azure skies over the glistening Mediterranean Sea, to intuit the artists’ and the curators’ inspiration.

This carefully curated collection underscores La Malmaison’s renewed purpose – to honour the artistic traditions that shaped the Riviera while embracing the avant-garde. The juxtaposition of historical masters with contemporary voices reinforces the evolving dialogue between past and present, tradition and innovation.

The reopening was a milestone for Cannes’ cultural scene, drawing esteemed figures from the art world, local dignitaries, and collectors. A representative from the city’s cultural affairs department reflected on the significance of the transformation: “La Malmaison’s reopening signals a new chapter for contemporary art in the region. It strengthens our ability to attract world-class exhibitions and collaborations, ensuring that Cannes remains a key player on the international cultural circuit.”

A Cultural Hub for the Future

But La Malmaison’s ambitions extend well beyond static exhibitions. The institution is poised to become a dynamic cultural hub, fostering artistic exchange through artist residencies, symposiums, and international partnerships. A strong emphasis has been placed on accessibility, with a programme of guided tours, interactive workshops, and educational initiatives designed to engage a broad audience—from emerging artists to seasoned connoisseurs.

The venue’s expansion also embraces multidisciplinary collaborations, integrating music, film, and digital media into its offerings. This fluid, cross-disciplinary approach positions La Malmaison as a catalyst for creative innovation, reinforcing Cannes’ status as a centre for cultural discourse.

With its rebirth, La Malmaison redefines Cannes’ role in the artistic landscape. A landmark at the intersection of history, art, and innovation, it now stands poised to attract and inspire audiences for generations to come.

La Malmaison
47 Bd de la Croisette
06400 Cannes, France

Phone +33 4 97 06 45 21

• Opening hours: Tuesday through Sunday 10-13 h and 14-18 h
• Regular admission: €6.50 / concessions available / free for under 18, students, job seekers, and persons with reduced mobility
• Wheelchair-accessible

All photos © Mairie de Cannes