Cultural events

Inaugurated this year in the renovated premises of the former prison in Nice, the very young Galerie Lympia aims to shed light on the last years of work accomplished by Alberto Giacometti (1901-1966). About 50 major works from the so-called "period of maturity" (1960-1965) are on display, including the very last sculptures on which the artist worked. Until October 15th. Galerie Lympia, 52 boulevard Stalingrad, Nice (04 89 04 53 10).

Consisting of holographic projections, films and immersive scenography, this exhibition created for the FIAC shines the spotlight on French dancer-choreographer Benjamin Millepied (former Director of Dance at the Opéra de Paris), and world-renowned conceptual artist Barbara Kruger. From October 20th to November 12th. Studio des Acacias, 30 rue des Acacias, Paris 17 (01 58 05 49 83).

This retrospective exhibition invites spectators to dive into the joyful, creative and colourful world of David Hockney, one of the leading lights in contemporary British art, this year celebrating his 80th birthday. Presenting the full extent of his talent in 160 works including paintings, photographs, engravings, video installations, publications and drawings, this major exhibition traces Hockney’s entire career in chronological order. From his iconic Californian swimming pools, Polaroid collages and self-portraits to his most recent work. Not to be missed Until October 23rd. Centre Pompidou, place Georges-Pompidou, Paris 4 (01 44 78 12 33).

Through a selection of 140 items, some hitherto unseen, mostly from the collections of France’s National Library, this fine exhibition traces the main stages in the recognition of the composer by the French public : from its fascination with the child prodigy’s precociousness to the adaptation of his works to suit French taste and its celebration of a musical genius unlike any other. Until September 2nd. Musée de l’Opéra Garnier, Opéra de Paris, 8 rue Scribe, Paris 9 (01 53 79 37 47).

To mark the 100th anniversary of Matisse’s arrival in Nice, the museum bearing his name is showing a new selection of his works paying tribute to the relationship between the artist and the town. This unprecedented approach sheds light on the richness of an exceptional collection, the fruit of successive donations made by Matisse and his heirs to the Town of Nice. Until October 13th. Musée Matisse, 164 avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, Nice (04 93 81 08 08).

Regarded as one of the major Spanish artists of his generation, Eduardo Arroyo portrays humanity in playful images evoking the history of art, literature, society... Full of humour, his canvasses brighten the walls of the Maeght Foundation for this exhibition whose title was very carefully chosen by the artist to reflect absurdity and irony. Until November 19th. Fondation Maeght, 623 chemin des Gardettes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence (04 93 32 81 63).

For its 40th anniversary, the Cannes Yachting Festival will welcome almost 600 boats in its two harbours, Le Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto. About 100 models (yachts, super-yachts, sailboats, multi-hulls…) will be presented in world previews. In parallel, the Luxury Gallery rigged out inside the Palais des Festivals will host stands displaying the wares of numerous luxury, arts-and-crafts and life-style brands. September from 12th to 17th. Vieux Port, Palais des Festivals et Port Pierre Canto, Cannes (www.cannesyachtingfestival.com).

In 1963, Jean-Louis Swiners, photographer-reporter for the monthly periodical “Réalités”, was sent by his editor to Rome for the shooting of the film “Le Mépris”, which was to become a cult movie by Jean-Luc Godard. Forgotten in the archives for over 50 years, photos not used by the magazine are now unveiled by the Galerie de l’Instant. Visitors discover intimate moments and backstage shots taken during the filming of this classic of the Seventh Art, a masterpiece admired by the greatest movie-makers and studied in film schools all over the world. Until September 12th. Galerie de l’Instant. 46 rue de Poitou, Paris 3 (01 44 54 94 09).

Born in New York in 1928, William Klein pursued his career from 1947 in France as a photographer, painter and film-maker. His work stands out for its instinctive style and vision. Reality is experienced subjectively and shown as it is : sometimes disturbing, sometimes violent, but always fascinating. The exhibition revolves around three themes : Nice in the 1980’s, Moscow from 1959 to 1961, and Tokyo in 1961. Until October 2nd. Musée de la Photographie Charles Nègre, 1 place Pierre Gautier, Nice (04 97 13 42 20).

Almost 200 exceptional items from the former Palace of Chinese Emperors, as well as loans from major European and American collections, have been brought together to comprise this spectacular exhibition. The circuit winds its way through iconic parts of the city-palace (Temple of Heaven, Throne Room, Tea Pavilion...), plunging visitors to the heart of the history of a civilization a thousand years old. Until September 10th. Grimaldi Forum, 10 avenue Princesse Grace, Monaco (00 377 99 99 20 00).

Designer, magician, theatre director, actor, decorator, technician, producer, director and distributor of over 500 films from 1896 to 1912... Over almost two decades, Georges Méliès reigned over the world of cinematographic enchantment and illusion. Designed and produced by the Cinémathèque Française, this exhibition pays tribute to a genius in special effects who made such a remarkable contribution to the Seventh Art. Until August 25th. Musée Ephémère du Cinéma, Palais des Festivals, boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes (04 97 06 45 15).

The walls of this address dedicated to decor and design have been given over to a selection of works by Michel Scarpa. Constantly re-inventing the rules of his own creative game, he leads the viewer into a maze of images, reflections, and references to movies, cartoon figures and the media. An invitation to explore a tale of modern-day reality tinged with humour, eroticism and gentle irony. Until June 2nd. Deco & Beyond, 23 rue Millo, Monaco (377 97 97 49 56).

Unveiling almost 200 works including about 30 photos hitherto unseen, this exhibition sheds light on Erwin Blumenfeld’s relationship with American fashion and beauty magazines in the 1940’s and 1950’s. His photographic genius had a great impact on American iconography. Until June 4th. Cité de la mode et du design, 34 quai d’Austerlitz, Paris 13 (01 76 77 25 30).

Regarded as the world’s most exclusive motor show, Top Marques has also won a reputation over the past few years for presenting all the various aspects of a luxury life-style. The 14th edition promises some real surprises, including six world launches of supercars, the presentation of exceptional examples of watchmaking and jewellery, and the attendance of many exhibitors of yacht tenders offering ever higher performances and very original design. April from 20th to 23th. Grimaldi Forum, 10 avenue Princesse Grace, Monaco (www.topmarquesmonaco.com).

A disciple of Le Corbusier in the 1930’s, Japanese architect Junzo Sakakura (1901-1969) was a leading light in the movement for modern architecture in Japan. In 2016, seventeen sites forming part Le Corbusier’s achievements were listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage, giving rise to a wave of interest in his work. Consisting of plans, photographs, videos, models, and pieces of furniture, this exhibition enables visitors to discover the masterpieces of this architect who succeeded very skilfully in combining Modernism with the Japanese way of life. From April 26th to July 8th. Maison de la culture du Japon à Paris, 101 bis quai Branly, Paris 15 (01 44 37 95 01).

Invited in July 2015 to create for the Ballets de Monte-Carlo for the first time, choreographer Natalia Horecna again plunges spectators into her reflections on our society, struggling hard to envisage its future. Marie Chouinard, not accustomed to creating works outside her own company, has come up with a ballet close to the work of an artist, going as far as producing the costumes, make-up and scenography herself for this ballet she defines as “a great 30-minute sketch”. The two creations will be performed together each night. April from 27th to 30th. Grimaldi Forum, 10 avenue Princesse Grace, Monaco (www.balletsdemontecarlo.com).

The Domaine Sainte-Marie vineyard estate is presenting a series of photos shedding light on the last nomads of Iran. As close as ever to individuals and their stories, globe-trotting photographer Catalina Martin Chico has immortalized the everyday life of the Bakhtiaris and Kachkaïs. Until April 25th. Domaine Sainte-Marie, RD 98, route de Saint-Tropez, Bormes-les-Mimosas (04 94 49 57 15).

For 2017, the “Forum de l’Immobilier du Golfe Saint-Tropez” will propose a new formula. Changing its name to “Forum Immo Déco Design du Golfe de Saint-Tropez”, the event will be extended to cover not only the theme of real-estate, but also the complementary worlds of decoration and design. All the main local players will be in attendance. April from 28th to 30th. Espace Jean Despas, place des Lices, Saint-Tropez (06 03 37 24 01 - www.showroom-immobilier-de-saint-tropez.com).

The new Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma in Saint-Tropez is awarding a place of honour to the town’s top icon : Brigitte Bardot. A vibrant tribute is being paid to her in a vast series of photographs hitherto unseen, most often taken by local or amateur photographers. The star can be seen in the most famous spots in Saint-Tropez in the 1960’s (Le Gorille, Le Café des Arts, Club 55, Le Voom Voom, the boutique Choses...) alone or with personalities who have also left their mark on Tropezian memories : Françoise Sagan, Roger Vadim, Eddie Barclay... Until January 15th. Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma, place Blanqui, Saint-Tropez (04 94 55 90 00).

For Balenciaga, black, more than a colour or even a non-colour, is something vibrant, opaque or transparent in turn, matt or shiny, enhancing both the sumptuousness of fabrics and the apparent simplicity of cuts. Black, a source for Balenciaga, who found the roots of his inspiration in the Spain of his childhood. Black, for hundreds of designs presented in this exhibition : chic couture ! Until July 16th, Musée Bourdelle, 18 rue Antoine Bourdelle, Paris 15 (01 49 54 73 73).