Paris1972-Versailles2003

I saw reading about a change of address of a wonderful institution that was very close to one of my former working grounds in Paris. Lots of good souvenirs of going for walks around it even if never inside, however, seeing beautiful architecture and history all around me.  This will be using a picture from their site. Let me tell you a bit on the Fondation Cartier of Paris !!! Hope you enjoy it as I.

The Fondation Cartier for the art contemporary was at 261 boulevard Raspail 14éme ; the building architect Nouvel has given a nicer look to it with thoughts that it was Chateaubriand who planted the cedar tree there. The Fondation Cartier was created by the very famous French jewelry maker “Cartier”. But the goal of this artistic center has nothing to do with jewelry: it is actually to discover and promote new contemporary artists from France and all around the world. Last but not least, you can end your visit in the garden of the foundation which itself is a work of art. The 35 different species of trees and 200 species of plants will make you forget the busy boulevards and plunge you into an exotic and enchanted atmosphere.

After staying for ten years in Jouy-en-Josas near Versailles, the Cartier Foundation settled in 1994 in the aerial frame of glass and metal created for her by Jean Nouvel in the heart of Paris, at 261 Boulevard Raspail. A space dedicated to contemporary creators and artists, this building leaves them freedom to imagine, create and exhibit. A glass building, playing on transparency, modular and reflecting the philosophy of the foundation: modernity and openness to the world. It is in this unique framework that creations, exhibitions and meetings come to life. The Cartier Foundation is thus part of an essential institution of contemporary art which invites you to discover and rediscover artists where they are not expected. The fate of the old Raspail building, which is currently hosting its last exhibition dedicated to Olga Amaral (Colombia) a textile artist, until March 16, 2025, is uncertain at this time.

However, and the reason of this post is that for its 40th anniversary in October 20, 2025, the Cartier Foundation released the big surprise in 2025, it will put its suitcases on Place du Palais-Royal,2 swapping boulevard Raspail to better anchor in the beating heart of Paris. It is a manifesto, a new way of thinking about museum space, where artists will have maximum latitude and daring inside, that is not kidding: 6,500 m² of exhibition spaces, 1200 m² of mobile platforms, verticalities that go up to 11 meters ! All located at 2 place du Palais-Royal,1er of Paris, It will be just between the Louvre and the Comédie-Française, a stone’s throw from the columns of Buren, the Ministry of Culture and the Bource du Commerce of François Pinault, From the outside, the Louvre des Antiquaires, Haussmannian building in arcades in Second Empire inaugurated in 1855 , detonated with the old glass envelope and the contemporary spirit of the foundation. But the interior, fully transformed, reserves surprises…..

A bit of history I like tell us that in 1984, on a suggestion from the artist César, Alain Dominique Perrin, then president of Cartier International, created the Cartier Foundation for contemporary art. Both a space for creation for artists and a meeting place between art and the general public, the foundation aims to promote contemporary creation and disseminate knowledge. The Cartier Foundation was inaugurated on October 20, 1984 in Jouy-en-Josas, with the Exhibition Les Fers de César, and led by Marie-Claude Beaud. Cartier International then became the first private French company, manager and citizen, recognized as a patron of contemporary art: a singular example of corporate patronage in France.

The official Fondation Cartier : https://www.fondationcartier.com/histoire-mission/fondation-40-ans

The Paris tourist office on the older Fondation Cartier: https://parisjetaime.com/eng/culture/fondation-cartier-pour-l-art-contemporain-p3561

There you go folks, another day in Paris! Another loss for Montparnasse but still a gain for Paris. The move will put them more in the spotlight of visitors to the City, Again, hope you enjoy this post on the Fondation Cartier of Paris as I.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!