The new Jean Cocteau museum has been under construction for nearly two years now and is due to open in November. An American benefactor, the late Severin Wunderman had the largest collection of Cocteau's work in the world. He has generously donated the majority of that collection to Menton. The new museum, designed by architect, Rudy Ricciotti stands between the sea and the old market building. Naturally it doesn't please everyone as it's a modern building but I think the majority are inclined to say 'let's wait and see.'Please click here to see how others around the world have interpreted today's theme.
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Le nouveau musée Jean Cocteau est en cours de construction depuis près de deux ans et devrait ouvrir ses portes en Novembre prochain. Un mécène américain, (aujourd'hui disparu) Séverin Wunderman possédait la plus grande collection d'œuvres de Cocteau dans le monde. Il a généreusement fait don de la majorité de cette collection à Menton. Le nouveau musée, conçu
par l'architecte, Rudy Ricciotti est situé entre la mer et le vieux marché. Naturellement, il ne fait pas l'unanimité car c'est un bâtiment moderne, mais je pense que les mentonnais dans leur majorité sont enclins à dire "Attendons pour voir."
Cliquez ici, s'il vous plait pour voir comment ce thème d'aujourd'hui a été interprété par d'autres autour du monde entier.
Does Cocteau have a connection to Menton?
ReplyDeleteI am confused about where this is located, Jilly. Is it where the boules courts were located near the muncipal market? I hope the market is still there. It does look very modern for its setting, but then, so did Cocteau!
ReplyDeleteMark, Yes, Cocteau is very connected to Menton. He stayed here in 1950 to attend our famous classical music festival and to inaugurate the International Painting Biennial. The then Mayor of Menton invited him to decorate the Salle de Marriages at the Town Hall which he did. Then he decorated a large room in the Town Hall itself - these are all frescoes, by the way.
ReplyDeleteIn gratitude for this work, the mayor made Cocteau an honorary citizen of Menton. Later Cocteau discovered the old Bastion on the port which he decorated himself and it is now the current Cocteau museum. This will remain and has constantly changing exhibitions of Cocteau's work. It opened in 1966, three years after the death of the artist.
Karen, yes, the new building is on the land opposite the market and more or less where the Boules court was. However it is nearer to the far corner of the market (ie the Monaco end) and at the moment, if you stand with the sea behind you you can see the main entrance to the market building - this isn't blocked by the museum, so presumably there will be gardens along there. The new museum is a very low building and doesn't interfere with the architecture of the lovely old market although naturally there are people who don't like it. As I said we'll have to wait and see.
Thanks for your detailed explanations Jilly.
ReplyDeleteI really like your close-up shot, it's intriguing.
Love the way you've gone with your photo today Jilly. When you click on the finished building, it is pretty spectacular.
ReplyDeleteFascinating photo with this wall in the background.
ReplyDeleteYou can never please everyone.
ReplyDeleteThat first shot turns construction into an artform.
ReplyDeleteYes, let's wait and see. A quite long waiting! :-)
ReplyDeleteI like anything this man did.
ReplyDeleteGreat capture for theme day.
ReplyDeleteI'll wait , I'll wait...:o)
ReplyDeleteYour top shot is excellent, Jilly. Waiting to see it completed is probably wise. I have changed my mind about buildings that seemed too "different" at first.
ReplyDeleteFine composition in that top shot Jilly. Interesting text. Can't wait to see it when it's done.
ReplyDeleteV
Love that first shot. The building is watching intently as it’s surroundings are being remodeled.
ReplyDeleteA really beautiful image. One of the best today.
ReplyDeleteVery original shot. Congrats!!
ReplyDeleteYes, they should built many more museums! Think we reached 80 museums in Barcelona now.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jilly, very interesting and sounds like a great museum.
ReplyDeletePerfect composition - the background works fabulously well
ReplyDeleteI agree with Steffe: you can never please everyone, and indeed, probably should not try as it involves dumbing down to a large extent.
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