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.
Location: Montparnasse
Inception: 1984
Founders: Cartier
Official opening: 1984
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Fee: Yes
Address: 261 boulevard Raspail, 75014 Paris
Opening Hours: Tuesday 11:00-22:00; Wednesday-Sunday 11:00-20:00
Phone: +33142185650
Website: https://fondation.cartier.com
GPS coordinates: 48.83729,2.33192
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30
Paris offers numerous museums away from major tourist crowds, presenting specialized collections. These institutions focus on diverse subjects including Asian art, mineralogy, historical urban planning, and contemporary photography. The exhibitions provide detailed insights into specific fields and historical developments. Visitors find space for focused observation without crowded halls. Collections range from archaeological finds to technical models and artistic works from various periods. These museums complement the city's cultural offerings through their thematic diversity and scholarly approach. They provide opportunities to explore specific areas of interest and discover lesser covered aspects of the Parisian cultural landscape.
Jean Nouvel is among the most recognized French architects of our time. His work spans five continents, including museums, office towers, concert halls, and residential complexes. Each project demonstrates his ability to combine technical innovation with respect for the local context, whether through material choices, light manipulation, or integration into the existing urban fabric. Among his major works, the Louvre Abu Dhabi features a perforated dome that creates a shower of light, while the Glòries Tower in Barcelona rises with its cylindrical shape and colorful facades. In Paris, the Arab World Institute has a façade equipped with mechanical diaphragms inspired by Islamic art, and the Philharmonie updates concert hall architecture with its silver volumes. Beyond Europe and the Middle East, his projects extend to Sydney with One Central Park and its hanging gardens, or Fort Worth with a museum surrounded by water basins. These buildings provide the opportunity to explore architecture that interacts with its environment and challenges conventions. Each visit allows appreciation of how architectural creativity can transform our relationship with urban and cultural spaces.
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