SMITH's MAC VAL Exhibition Damaged by Storm, Closed Indefinitely
On Thursday, August 27, a severe storm hit Val-de-Marne, causing significant damage to the 'Ici grand ouvert' exhibition by SMITH at MAC VAL in Vitry-sur-Seine. This exhibition, which opened on May 23, was intended to continue until January 31, 2027, but is now closed indefinitely. The storm, likened to a tornado, resulted in roof damage and flooding in the exhibition space around 6 p.m. While several artworks were harmed, some can be reproduced, and the museum's collections remained unharmed. An evaluation of the damage is still in progress. SMITH shared his thoughts on Instagram regarding the influence of climate change on his art. Although the exhibition hall requires extensive repairs, the remainder of the museum will be open for European Heritage Days on September 19 and 20.
Key facts
- Violent storm hit Val-de-Marne on August 27, damaging SMITH's exhibition at MAC VAL.
- Exhibition 'Ici grand ouvert' closed indefinitely; originally ran May 23 to January 31, 2027.
- Water infiltrated through roof, damaging several works; some paper works destroyed.
- Museum collections and reserves were not affected.
- Building designed by Jacques Ripault and Denise Duhart, inaugurated in 2005, had pre-existing roof cracks from summer heat.
- SMITH commented on climate change as part of the exhibition's material conditions.
- Artist's work includes thermograms and series 'Désidération(s)' and 'Dami'.
- Major repairs needed for the temporary exhibition hall; rest of museum open.
- European Heritage Days on September 19-20 maintained with possible changes.
Entities
Artists
- SMITH
- Smith
Institutions
- MAC VAL
- Le Monde
- Mac Val
- Le Journal des Arts
- MAC Val
Locations
- Val-de-Marne
- Vitry-sur-Seine
- France