New Musée du Niel Dedicated to Abstract Art Opens in Provence
The Musée du Niel, an establishment focused on abstract art, has been inaugurated on the Presqu'Île de Giens in Hyères, France, by 74-year-old art collector Jean-Noël Drouin. This museum showcases more than 150 pieces of non-figurative artwork from the 1950s to the 1970s, featuring notable artists such as Olivier Debré and Jean-Paul Riopelle. Annual exhibitions are scheduled from May through October; the first exhibition of 2023, titled "Les chemins de l'abstraction," highlighted 17 artists associated with philosopher Jean Grenier. The upcoming 2024 exhibition will explore the differences between the Nouvelle École de Paris and Supports/Surfaces. Housed in a 1962 villa designed by Jacques Chapon, the museum, which took two years to renovate, welcomed 7,500 visitors during its debut exhibition and is part of the Plein Sud network, which includes 75 Mediterranean art venues.
Key facts
- Musée du Niel opened on Presqu'Île de Giens in Hyères, France.
- Founded by collector Jean-Noël Drouin, 74, a successful IT entrepreneur.
- Collection includes over 150 works of French and European abstract art from 1950s-1970s.
- Artists include Olivier Debré, Hans Hartung, Maria Helena Vieira da Silva, and Claude Viallat.
- Annual exhibitions run from May to October.
- 2023 inaugural exhibition: 'Les chemins de l'abstraction' focused on 17 artists around Jean Grenier.
- 2024 exhibition contrasts Nouvelle École de Paris and Supports/Surfaces.
- Nouvelle École de Paris started in 1941 with exhibition at Galerie Braun as an act of resistance.
- Supports/Surfaces formed around May 1968, rejecting easel painting.
- Museum is in a 1962 rationalist villa by architect Jacques Chapon.
- Renovation by architects Vialla Pouliquen and museographer Éric Moric.
- Garden by Alep Atelier Lieux et Paysages and Fredon Jardins within Parc National de Port-Cros.
- First exhibition attracted 7,500 visitors.
- Museum is part of Plein Sud network of 75 art venues in French Mediterranean.
- Nearby cultural sites: Villa Noailles and Fondation Carmignac.
Entities
Artists
- Olivier Debré
- Jean Dewasne
- Hans Hartung
- André Marfaing
- Jean Messagier
- Jean Miotte
- Jean-Pierre Pincemin
- Gérard Schneider
- Jean-Paul Riopelle
- Raoul Ubac
- Maria Helena Vieira da Silva
- Joseph Sima
- Claude Viallat
- Jean Grenier
- Jean Bazaine
- Jean Bertholle
- Maurice Estève
- Charles Lapicque
- Jean Le Moal
- Alfred Manessier
- André-Pierre Arnal
- Louis Cane
- Marc Devade
- Daniel Dezeuze
- Noël Dolla
- Patrick Saytour
Institutions
- Musée du Niel
- Galerie Braun
- Villa Noailles
- Fondation Carmignac
- Plein Sud
- Parc National de Port-Cros
Locations
- Presqu'Île de Giens
- Hyères
- France
- Saint-Tropez
- Marseille
- Paris
- Toulon
- Porquerolles
- Menton
- Sérignan
- Hérault
- Provenza