Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain, Contemporary art foundation in Montparnasse, France.
The Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain is a contemporary art museum in the Montparnasse district, housed in a glass building designed by Jean Nouvel. The transparent walls create a connection between the exhibition rooms inside and the surrounding garden, so greenery and sky remain visible while viewing the artworks.
The jewelry brand Cartier established this art institution in 1984 to support contemporary artists and promote new forms of art in Paris. The building by Jean Nouvel was erected later to provide a suitable frame for the exhibitions.
The foundation hosts rotating exhibitions each year, displaying works from photography, painting, installation and performance side by side. Visitors walk through rooms where artists from different countries present their creations while daylight passes through the glass walls.
The museum is located at 261 Boulevard Raspail and opens Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours until 10 PM on Tuesdays for evening visits. The glass architecture brings plenty of natural light into the rooms, changing the atmosphere throughout the day.
The garden was created by artist Lothar Baumgarten and becomes part of the exhibition itself through the transparent walls. Trees and plants seem to grow into the rooms, merging art and nature together.
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