Considering the striking architecture before us, let’s delve into the world of the Mus\u00e9e d’Art Moderne et Contemporain. Opened in 1998, this Strasbourg museum is one of the largest of its kind in France. Its collection spans from 1870 to the present day. That makes it a journey through modern and contemporary art.
The Mus\u00e9e d’Art Moderne et Contemporain was designed by Parisian architect Adrien Fainsilber. He also designed the Cit\u00e9 des Sciences et de l’Industrie in Paris. The building features a central glass-covered walk. It is conceived in cathedral-like dimensions. The interior stretches 104 meters long and 22 meters high. This design creates a stunning space for art appreciation.
Inside the Mus\u00e9e d’Art Moderne et Contemporain, you’ll find a diverse collection. It includes paintings, sculptures, graphic arts, multimedia, and design. The museum boasts over 18000 works. The museum highlights three major artists born in Strasbourg. These are Gustave Dor\u00e9, Hans Jean Arp, and Marcelle Cahn.
One of the highlights is the collection of Alsatian artists. They represent Art Nouveau, Expressionism, and New Realism. You can admire works by Charles Spindler and Ren\u00e9 Beeh.
The Mus\u00e9e d’Art Moderne et Contemporain also owns the first cubist painting acquired by a French public collection. It’s “Still Life” by Georges Braque from 1911. It was acquired in 1923.
The museum’s photographic library holds thousands of photographs. These span from the origin of photography to today. The museum’s artistic video collection includes works by Bill Viola and Nam June Paik.
Notably, the Mus\u00e9e d’Art Moderne et Contemporain emphasizes European art. It includes a collection of German paintings that is unique in France. This gives visitors a glimpse into art rarely seen on such a scale in France.
Since its opening, the Mus\u00e9e d’Art Moderne et Contemporain has been committed to young artists. Its annual exhibitions showcase artists of the new generation.
Before we move on, take a moment to appreciate the exterior. At the top of the facade, you can spot the Fibonacci sequence in blue neon lights. This subtle detail adds another layer to the museum’s artistic appeal. Don’t miss the spacious roof terrace with its museum cafe. It offers incredible views of the city. You can see the covered bridges and the cathedral.