We are in the heart of Montparnasse, overlooking the cemetery and not far from Fondation Cartier on rue Victor Schoelcher, 1804-1893 the man who abolished slavery in the French colonies. Alberto Giacometti‘s studio is part of a block of houses with many other ateliers, their high windows facing North East. It has just been renovated and opened to the public a few days ago as “Institut Giacometti“. To visit it, you have to buy your ticket (8,50€) online and book a specific time. It is a charming spot with many drawings and sculptures all in line with Jean Genet.
The house is conceived as an intimate space and I ran into an art lover from Brazil who was overwhelmed by the decor. A good portrait of Jean Genet hangs in a corner, the cabinet of graphic arts is immaculate with a stone the artist used for printing and many drawings and letters from Genet. The Foundation owns five thousand drawings.
Everyone is friendly in this very zen space where there were already many foreign visitors. It will obviously be a pilgrimage spot, in a charming area of 1920’s bohemian life.
The Foundation is run by Catherine Grenier who has recently published a biography of Giacometti based on the archives. 6 rue Victor Shoelcher, 14 th. The next exhibition will open in September. Reservations online only.
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