La Citadelle, centre d'art et musées
The Citadelle is a fortress built in the 16th century. It became a centre for art and culture in 1981, after being demilitarised in 1967 and classified as a Historic Monument in 1968. It now houses a contemporary art centre and three ‘Musées de France’ modern art collections.
Since January 2022, the Museums have been closed for renovation and restoration of the collections. The Citadelle, which is currently undergoing restoration work, will remain open, with plans for artist residencies and exhibitions. La Citadelle is intended to be an exhibition space, offering an atypical playground of over 3 hectares to contemporary artists invited to use its spaces.
The Citadelle is a fortress built in the 16th century. It became a centre for art and culture in 1981, after being demilitarised in 1967 and classified as a Historic Monument in 1968. It now houses a contemporary art centre and three ‘Musées de France’ modern art collections.
Since January 2022, the Museums have been closed for renovation and restoration of the collections. The Citadelle, which is currently undergoing restoration work, will remain open, with plans for artist residencies and exhibitions. La Citadelle is intended to be an exhibition space, offering an atypical playground of over 3 hectares to contemporary artists invited to use its spaces.
Programme
The Hidden Heart, Jean-Marc Caimi & Valentina Piccinni
Under the sweltering skies of the Côte d'Azur, between the glittering reflections of the Mediterranean and the deep shadows of the mountains, one question remains: what lies beyond this light that fascinates and consumes everything? With Le Cœur caché (The Hidden Heart), Jean-Marc Caimi and Valentina Piccinni invite us to explore the other side of the coin, this territory both overexposed by the sun and saturated with clichéd images that mask its intimate reality. For the last thirteen years, this duo of Italian photographers have been weaving together a body of work that straddles the line between documentary and visual poetry. Their approach, imbued with humanity and curiosity, transcends the simple capture of images.
During two residencies, first at the Centre de la Photographie in Mougins in December 2024, then at La Citadelle in Villefranche-sur-Mer in January 2025, Caimi and Piccinni delved into the hidden layers of this mythical territory. From Fréjus to Sospel, from the islands of Lérins to the narrow streets of Villefranche-sur-Mer, they have tried to fathom the soul of the French Riviera, abandoning postcard images to capture a metaphysical sense of place.
Access
La Citadelle, centre d'art et musées
Place Emmanuel Philibert
06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer
04 93 76 33 27
lacitadellevsm.fr
Open daily from 10am to 5pm, except public holidays.
Free admission.
Locate other art venues in the vicinity on the map.
