MUSÉE NATIONAL FERNAND LÉGER / BIOT / FRANCE
Artist Fernand Léger was an optimist and saw great potential in all things modern. His work is instantly recognizable through his very personal interpretation of cubism.
This state-owned museum honours his legacy and brings knowledge of his contribution to the modern art world to the public.
FONDATION MAEGHT / SAINT-PAUL-DE-VENCE / FRANCE
The art collection of Fondation Maeght is one of the largest of modern art in Europe. The foundation has always been a place for creative people to meet and exchange ideas, and many artists willingly contributed to its realization; Miró created a labyrinth and Giacometti made a sculpture for the court.
FUNDACIO MIRÓ / PALMA / SPAIN
The Sert Studio was designed to fit with the terrain’s hillside terraces. It was created through dialogue between the architect and the artist. The building is not to be considered simply a case to fill with art, but should, according to its architect, be viewed along the lines that “Architecture itself can become a sculpture”.
CRISTÓBAL BALENCIAGA MUSEOA / GETARIA / SPAIN
Couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga was widely considered the master of masters. One of the most skilled fashion designers in history, his legacy is now permanently on display in his Basque hometown, only a few blocks from where he first learned the craft from his mother, a local seamstress.
VILLA CARMIGNAC / ÎLE DE POURQUEROLLES / FRANCE
The foundation was created in 2000, and includes an impressive collection of contemporary art, containing more than 300 artworks, including 17 works by Roy Lichtenstein, which makes it the largest private Lichtenstein collection in France.
MUSEO GUGGENHEIM / BILBAO / SPAIN
As part of an initiative from the Basque government, the art museum was built to revitalize the town of Bilbao, attract tourists with an interest in culture while also redefining the formerly industrial city as something else, more vibrant.
Today, Guggenheim Bilbao is equally known for its exhibitions as for its architecture.
MAS / ANTWERP / BELGIUM
The aim of the MAS is to tell the story of Antwerp, and of how this city connects with the surrounding world, ranging from the history of Antwerp as a centre of international trade and shipping to outlining how Antwerp became an important European hub for art and culture.
LOUISIANA MUSEUM OF MODERN ART / HUMLEBÆK /DENMARK
Even though its collection includes more than 4,000 artworks, from artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Andy Warhol and Yves Klein, Louisiana is not only appreciated for its art exhibitions but also for its impressive architecture, which merges American, Japanese and European design traditions.
NIMIS / KULLABERG / SWEDEN
The sculpture, possible to climb on and even walk through, is illegal, as it is against the law to build anything in a natural reserve.
The legal aspect has become part of the artwork itself, as the artist Lars Vilks explored art as a kind of process, expanding with every new interaction and encounter.
MUSEU BERARDO ESTREMOZ / ESTREMOZ / PORTUGAL
The legacy of tiles is intertwined with the cultural history of Portugal. In this museum in the small town of Estremoz, Portugal’s largest and finest private collection of tiles is on display, telling the story of how the expression of tiles has followed the larger cultural development of Portugal and Europe.
MAXXI / ROME / ITALY
Designed by Zaha Hadid, the museum offers an almost unique experience to its visitors. The best word to describe a visit to MAXXI is “surprise”, as one can never be sure of what new angle, perspective or play with space awaits around the corner.
ARTIPELAG / STOCKHOLM / SWEDEN
The name “Artipelag” is made from a combination of the words art, activities and archipelago. Located just south of Stockholm, this art museum – one of Sweden’s largest – invites visitors to spend a whole day, viewing exhibitions, eating at the restaurant, strolingl through the forest or going for a swim.