Musées de la Citadelle, Museums in a fortress in Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
The Musées de la Citadelle are two art museums set inside the historic fortress of Saint-Elme in Villefranche-sur-Mer, on the French Riviera. The first, the Musée Volti, is devoted to sculpture, while the second, the Musée Goetz-Boumeester, holds paintings and objects from the 20th century, including works by Miró and Picasso.
The fortress of Saint-Elme was built in the 16th century by the Duke of Savoy, Emmanuel-Philibert, to guard the harbor. In 1967 it was converted into a cultural center, and the following year it received the status of Monument Historique.
The Musée Volti, one of the museums inside the fortress, displays bronze sculptures by Antoniucci Volti, a sculptor who grew up in Villefranche-sur-Mer. His work, mostly depicting female figures, fills several rooms set within the old stone walls.
Since 2022 the museums inside the citadel have been closed for renovation, but the outdoor areas, gardens and views over the bay remain open to visitors. Comfortable shoes are a good idea, as the paths are made of stone and involve steps.
The Goetz-Boumeester collection was built by two artists, Christine Boumeester and Henri Goetz, through works they bought from or received as gifts from friends such as Miró and Picasso. The collection was donated to the French state and is now considered part of the national heritage.
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