The new Jean Cocteau Museum opened in the city of Menton, France on November 6, 2011. The Jean Cocteau Museum – Severin Wunderman Collection will house the world’s largest public display of Cocteau’s works.
The collection consists of over 2,000 works, which will be displayed on rotation through both permanent and temporary exhibitions. The works will be arranged based on specific themes and periods in the artist’s career; one topic will be “Parades,” featuring the artist’s graphic works and his collaboration with the ballet Parade, while another will be “Mysteries,” featuring the poetry and films Cocteau created post-WWII, such as La Belle et la Bête.
The striking building where the museum is housed was constructed specifically to showcase Cocteau’s works. Designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti, the building’s structure is a contemporary artwork in itself. Its facade is coated in shades of black and white, evoking a contemporary artistic design reflecting Cocteau’s style. The entire museum evokes a labyrinth, and plays with elements of light and shadow through its unique design.
The first exhibition will be dedicated to Jean Sabrier, a Bordeaux-based artist who gives new perspectives to paintings through art history.
