Abbaye de La Celle
The Abbey of La Celle, listed as a historical monument in 1886 and owned by the Var Department since 1992, has for many years hosted original temporary exhibitions within its walls, which have been a great success with the general public. Several archaeological excavation and architectural restoration campaigns undertaken by the Var Department between 1992 and 2021 have made all the spaces in the women's section of the Abbey of La Celle, built between the end of the 12th and the beginning of the 13th century, accessible once again. From 2022, the cultural program of the Romanesque monastery proposed by the Var Department focuses on the presentation of temporary exhibitions that bring the place into resonance with works and productions by contemporary artists.
The Abbey of La Celle, listed as a historical monument in 1886 and owned by the Var Department since 1992, has for many years hosted original temporary exhibitions within its walls, which have been a great success with the general public. Several archaeological excavation and architectural restoration campaigns undertaken by the Var Department between 1992 and 2021 have made all the spaces in the women's section of the Abbey of La Celle, built between the end of the 12th and the beginning of the 13th century, accessible once again. From 2022, the cultural program of the Romanesque monastery proposed by the Var Department focuses on the presentation of temporary exhibitions that bring the place into resonance with works and productions by contemporary artists.
Programme
Utopia, Georges Rousse
Owned by the Var Department since 1992, this Benedictine monastery, a listed historical monument, has been offering the public an annual contemporary art exhibition for several years. In 2025, it will host the photographer and visual artist Georges Rousse, who, by taking over this heritage site, establishes an original dialogue between painting, architecture, history, and photography.
This artist, often confronted with abandoned places, creates here a subtle cohabitation between heritage and contemporary art with the creation of two ephemeral works, preceding the realization of his main work, and the presentation of a retrospective of his work. Through his photography alone, the artist restores all the intensity of his interventions on the sites.
Access
Abbaye de la Celle
9, place des ormeaux, 83170 La Celle
abbayedelacelle.com
04 83 95 18 70
Open Tuesday to Sunday
June to end August: 10am - 6.30pm
September to November: 10am - 5.30pm
Locate other art venues in the vicinity on the map.
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PLACES TO DISCOVER
• Domaine de la Gayolle à La Celle : Founded in 1855 by the Paul family, the vineyard is home to the Chapelle de Notre Dame de La Gayolle, a historic monument with echoes of the 5th century.
• Musée des Gueules Rouges de Tourves : The Musée des Gueules Rouges takes visitors on a fun tour of the history of bauxite mining in the Var.
• Basilique de Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume : The basilica houses the relics of Mary Magdalene, making it the third-largest tomb in Christendom.
PLACES TO STAY
• Hostellerie de l'abbaye de La Celle : This 5-star hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant is run by master restaurateur Alain Ducasse.
PLACES TO EAT
• Restaurant 1886 : The 1886, a new table installed in the male cloister of La Celle Abbey, takes its name from the date on which the building was listed as a historic monument.
• Restaurant El Tapero : Restaurant serving tapas and Spanish culinary specialities.
