Magasin in Grenoble Reopens After Two-Year Renovation

After two years of partial closure for renovation, Magasin – Centre national d'art contemporain in Grenoble reopens on January 21, 2006, with two exhibitions. 'Cinéma' (until May 7) explores filmed images, while the central nave (the Rue) features British artist Michael Craig-Martin (until September 3). The renovation repaired structural issues including leaking roofs and replaced 1,600 m² of glass, safety equipment, and installations. Director Yves Aupetitallot, in an interview with Patricia Brignone, discusses the institution's evolution since its 1986 opening, designed by Patrick Bouchain in the converted Bouchayer-Viallet factory. He notes that the original model—an expanded artist workshop for monumental production—has shifted toward an open platform for a mobile art scene. Aupetitallot highlights the inaugural exhibition in 1986, which featured Daniel Buren and Brian Eno, as a symbolic act of national cultural policy. The reopening also includes a symposium 'Centres d'art 2006' on January 20-21 at Magasin and Université Pierre Mendès-France. The school École du Magasin, which trains curators, remains integral to the institution. A book documenting all past exhibitions and publications is published with JRP-Ringier.