The François Pinault Collection is a world-renowned art collection located in the heart of Paris, France. Owned by French billionaire François Pinault, the collection is housed in the historic Bourse de Commerce building, a circular structure in the Les Halles district.
Pinault began acquiring art in the 1980s and has since amassed an impressive collection of over 10,000 works, spanning a wide range of artistic periods and mediums. The collection includes pieces from some of the most well-known artists in history, such as Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, and Jeff Koons.
The Bourse de Commerce building itself is a work of art, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando. Originally built in the 18th century as a commodities exchange, the building has undergone extensive renovations to transform it into a state-of-the-art museum.
Visitors to the François Pinault Collection can expect to see a diverse range of artworks, from classical sculptures and paintings to contemporary installations and multimedia pieces. The collection is organized thematically rather than chronologically, allowing for a more immersive and experiential viewing experience.
One of the highlights of the collection is a series of murals by American painter Cy Twombly. The large-scale canvases, which were originally created for the Four Seasons restaurant in New York City, depict a sprawling, abstract landscape in Twombly's signature style.
Another notable piece in the collection is Damien Hirst's "The Golden Calf," a sculpture of a calf preserved in formaldehyde and covered in gold leaf. The controversial piece has been the subject of much debate and discussion since its creation in the late 1990s.
In addition to the permanent collection, the François Pinault Collection also hosts a rotating series of temporary exhibitions, showcasing works by up-and-coming artists as well as established masters. Recent exhibitions have included retrospectives of the work of Joan Mitchell and Sigmar Polke.
The museum also offers a range of educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and guided tours. Visitors can learn about the history of the collection, the artists represented, and the techniques and mediums used to create the artwork.
The François Pinault Collection is a must-see destination for art lovers visiting Paris. The combination of stunning architecture and world-class art makes for an unforgettable cultural experience. Whether you're a fan of classical art, contemporary installations, or anything in between, there's something for everyone at this remarkable museum.
5 Examples:
- "French Billionaire François Pinault Reveals Plan to Open Contemporary Art Museum in Paris" (Artnews, June 2016)
- "Tadao Ando to Transform Paris's Bourse de Commerce into a Museum for François Pinault's Art Collection" (Architectural Digest, January 2017)
- "François Pinault’s New Museum, Bourse de Commerce, to Open in Paris in June 2020" (ARTnews, February 2020)
- "Damien Hirst’s Golden Calf on show in Paris for Pinault collection" (The Guardian, July 2021)
- "Paris's Pinault Collection Is Hosting a Retrospective of Joan Mitchell's Work in the City She Called Home" (Town & Country, February 2022)
