Espace Hôtel de Lagoy

A new nugget for your cultural wanderings

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence boasts a remarkable new setting: a place in which photography, texts, emotion, and intimacy commingle.

By Valérie Rouger

A new chapter has opened in the history of this 16th-century mansion belonging to the Senard family after a 2-year period of extensive renovation by Pierre Olivier Breche of Saint-Rémois firm POBA. This exceptional 1,000 m2 venue has been entrusted to Maison Templar, designed to host its major temporary exhibitions, like the one currently running devoted to Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962), one of the world’s greatest stars. Norma Jean reveals herself in some 220 never-before-seen photographs. David Lawrence’s texts forge intimate links with the icon. “We wanted our first exhibition to feature a woman, one with links to Provence – Marilyn was fascinated by Vincent Van Gogh’s work. Visitors fall under the spell of the place, its beauty and tranquillity, and are seduced by the high quality of the photographs and writings, the fruit of two years research, writing and meetings with people strongly associated with Marilyn,” reveals Pascale Blanc, Templar’s managing director and exhibition curator. The strength of this exhibition lies in its ability to blend the star’s personal story with America’s history. This common thread is the sign of major events to come. The next one takes us in Francis Bacon’s footsteps: The Flesh, The Blood, The Heart from 1 March 2024. Pablo Picasso, Rendez-Vous follows, a tribute featuring over 100 original works, 100 previously unpublished photographs, and 100 imaginary letters.