“It's weird to see a painting in the middle of a store.
Usually it's in a museum, ”a 7-year-old girl who came with her recreation center is surprised.
"Art is made to be shared," replied Serge Lasvignes, president of the Center Pompidou.
If the works need to come out for that, let's go.
This Wednesday, many customers who came to do their shopping at the Valdoly shopping center in Vigneux-sur-Seine (Essonne) were surprised to discover, in front of the garden center, a painting by Pablo Picasso.
Read also Essonne: the Center Pompidou will open in Massy in 2025 "an unprecedented place of culture"
"No, but it doesn't have to be real," a young man whispers to his companion. When he discovers that yes, it is indeed L'Atelier, a canvas painted by the master in 1955 in homage to Henri Matisse who died a few months before, he cannot believe it. "This is one of the most beautiful pieces in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art," continues Serge Lasvignes. I am very happy to see the public who can benefit from it today. "
This ephemeral and free exhibition, accompanied by creative workshops offered to children from 5 years old, in the middle of the shelves of a hypermarket, is part of the 1 day 1 work operation, foreshadowing the Fabrique de Massy: a conservation and creation center which will open by 2025 to accommodate the 120,000 works from the Center Pompidou collections, but which will also be a cultural place open to the public.
Vigneux-sur-Seine, June 9, 2021. The Center Pompidou exhibited the painting "The Workshop" by Pablo Picasso in front of the garden center.
Cecile Chevallier
"Pompidou is one of the largest museums in the world," recalls François Durovray, president (LR) of the departmental council, candidate for his succession.
Our partnership in Essonne with him is a great opportunity.
Art has its place in a shopping center, it is not reserved for certain people who can visit Parisian museums.
"
“What a great idea to bring out art!
"
Francine, who has not come too close not to leave her cart, is thrilled.
"What a great idea to bring out art, it's been so long that we can no longer go to museums," says the fifty-something.
We are also lucky, Picasso is a very great artist.
"
This operation set up with Auchan is a continuation of several events already offered by Pompidou in various places in Essonne: the Massy sports center, the Etampes social center, the Ulis shopping center and the Chamarande area. Other programs “outside the walls” will continue until 2025, when the Fabrique de Massy opens.
