Vasarely's 'Cité polychrome du bonheur' Celebrates 50 Years in Aix-en-Provence

The Fondation Vasarely in Aix-en-Provence is marking the 50th anniversary of its iconic 'Cité polychrome du bonheur' with an exhibition titled 'Projet pour une révolution. Vasarely et l'architecture', running from June 12 to November 1, 2026. The Centre Pompidou, which co-organizes the show, has dubbed the building the 'Sistine Chapel of op-art'. Designed by Victor Vasarely (1906–1997) and inaugurated in 1976, the structure embodies his vision of integrating art into daily life. The building, shaped like a molecule with sixteen interconnected volumes, features metal facades with alternating black and light discs. Inside, 42 monumental integrations are dispersed across its hexagonal cells, creating a seamless fusion of space and canvas. The site, now labeled 'musée de France', remains a retrofuturist symbol of the post-war boom. The exhibition traces the architectural and artistic journey of this utopian project, drawing on studies from the 1960s and 1970s that highlight its significance in Vasarely's oeuvre. The artist's goal was to create a reproducible model to combat urban ugliness. The show is featured in Beaux Arts Magazine's summer double issue (n°505-506, July 2026).