Pierre Bonnard (1867–1947) was a leading figure in French art and a founding member of the Nabis Symbolist group. He later developed a unique and unclassifiable body of work in which colour takes centre stage, alongside a profound emphasis on nature and the living world.
Bathers at the end of the day (circa 1945) by Pierre BonnardMusée Bonnard
A painter, lithographer and photographer, he made his mark on art through his intimate scenes and luminous landscapes, particularly those of Le Cannet, as well as his highly personal use of colour
Vue musée Bonnard grand angle by Musée BonnardMusée Bonnard
Situated in Le Cannet, where the artist lived and created almost 300 works, the Musée Bonnard is the world's only institution entirely dedicated to the oeuvre of post-impressionist painter Pierre Bonnard. Read on to discover the key dates in this emblematic museum's history.
1998, Acquisition of the Hôtel Saint-Vianney by the city
The City acquires the Hôtel Saint-Vianney, a building with an emblematic "1900" architectural style from Bonnard's era, which is destined to become the future museum.
2003, First Acquisition
The museum project is approved by the municipal council with a first acquisition, Harmonie verte, arbre bleu (Green Harmony, Blue Tree). A Scientific and Artistic Council is created to define the museum's concept. Three years later, the Bonnard Museum is awarded the Musée de France designation.
June 25, 2011, The Bonnard Museum opens its doors
The inaugural exhibition, "Bonnard and Le Cannet, in the Light of the Mediterranean," was recognized as an "Exhibition of National Interest" by the Ministry of Culture and Communication, the Directorate General of Heritage, and the French Museums Department. The Bonnard Museum adventure begins!
2017, 150th Anniversary of Pierre Bonnard's Birth
The museum launches its first crowdfunding campaign, allowing it to acquire the work Les Grands Boulevards. The Bonnard Museum's collections are comprised of purchases, donations, as well as private and public loans. The partnership with the Musée d'Orsay is renewed.
2021, An Anniversary Year: 10 Years of the Bonnard Museum!
The Bonnard Museum has built a strong reputation through exhibitions of exceptional quality and the constant enrichment of its collections.
2025, International Reach
Visited by local, regional, and national audiences, the Bonnard Museum also attracts international visitors. Lending works for major international exhibitions and events has helped promote the role played by the museum on the world stage.
Vue musée Bonnard de nuit by Musée BonnardMusée Bonnard
Join us to write the future of the Bonnard Museum!
With over 26 temporary exhibitions since its opening and as many publications, the Bonnard Museum has become an essential place of visit and study for any admirer or specialist of the artist's work.
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