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Avignon's Palais des Papes Cancels Macha Makeïeff's 'Les Choses divines' Exhibition Over Budget and Technical Issues

exhibition · 2026-04-21

The exhibition 'Les Choses divines – Inventaire fantaisiste' by Macha Makeïeff, set to take place at the Palais des Papes in Avignon from June 27, 2026, to January 3, 2027, has been canceled. This decision stems from technical issues, delays in loan approvals, and budgetary excesses, occurring after Olivier Galzi (DVD) assumed office following the municipal elections, replacing Cécile Helle (PS). Carine Mériaux, the communications director for Avignon Tourisme, expressed concerns over risks without assurances from municipalities like Aix-en-Provence. The original budget of 400,000 euros fell short by 100,000 euros. Additionally, the UNESCO status of the 14th-century palace presented technical difficulties. Talks about potentially postponing the exhibition are currently in progress.

Key facts

  • Exhibition 'Les Choses divines – Inventaire fantaisiste' by Macha Makeïeff canceled at Palais des Papes d'Avignon
  • Scheduled dates: June 27, 2026 to January 3, 2027
  • Official reasons: technical constraints, loan authorization delays, budget overrun of approximately 100,000 euros beyond 400,000 euro budget
  • Municipal elections brought new mayor Olivier Galzi (DVD) succeeding Cécile Helle (PS)
  • Palais des Papes is 14th-century Gothic palace, UNESCO World Heritage site, historic monument lacking modern climate control
  • Exhibition planned immersive installation with cabins, mystical houses containing artworks, costumes, and objects
  • Macha Makeïeff is French director, scenographer, and visual artist, former director of Théâtre National de Marseille (2011-2022)
  • Possible postponement under discussion with new municipal team

Entities

Artists

  • Macha Makeïeff
  • Olivier Galzi
  • Cécile Helle
  • René Char
  • Jean Vilar
  • Picasso
  • Sebastião Salgado
  • Eva Jospin
  • Miss.Tic
  • Othoniel Cosmos

Institutions

  • Palais des Papes d'Avignon
  • Avignon Tourisme
  • Théâtre National de Marseille
  • UNESCO
  • Le Journal des Arts

Locations

  • Avignon
  • France
  • Aix-en-Provence
  • Marseille

Sources