Maison Bernard

Linking heritage buildings and contemporary art

The non-profit organisation Genius Loci has stepped in at Maison Bernard (architect Antti Lovag) to introduce contemporary artworks that resonate with the remarkable organic architecture.

Did you know that the famous Palais Bulles, which acquired this name after it was bought by couturier Pierre Cardin in 1991, had an elder sister? It all began in the early 1970s when the visionary Hungarian architect Antti Lovag built this first ‘bubble house’in Théoule-sur-Mer for industrialist and art patron Pierre Bernard. “In 2014, when it was still owned by the Bernard family, Maison Bernard was renovated under architect Odile Decq. She introduced new colours inside, and a cactus and succulents garden was created. Palais Bulles is managed by an endowment fund and can be visited from September to June,” enthuses Marion Vignale, founding president of Genius Loci, who loves creating links between outstanding but little-known buildings and today’s art. For this exhibition, some 20 artworks have been arrayed in the house and garden, echoing the building’s curves, the freedom of its design and its evocation of the female body. Half these artworks were created for the occasion, and some will remain on site. While a sculpture by Pol Bury - on loan from the Maeght Foundation - alludes to the cosmos, Isa Melsheimer’s metre-long larvae hint at metamorphosis, Marion Mailaender has dressed a bed with fabrics and Safia Hijos has contributed some ceramic cacti. Visitors can enjoy all this as they stroll around the house and garden. In June, there will be performances as well. A major must-see.

Visites guidées de 1 h 30 sur réservation
Port-la-Galère, Théoule-sur-Mer
https://geniusloci-experience.com