Fondation Cartier

The Fondation Cartier, headed by Marie-Claude Beaud, opened in Jouy-en-Josas on October 20, 1984, with the inaugural exhibition Les Fers de César. The Fondation Cartier seeks to present the work of renowned French and international artists, as well as young artists with promising talents. Cartier International has become the leading private French company in the patronage of contemporary art, responsible and civic-minded – a unique example of corporate philanthropy in France.

In 1994, the Fondation Cartier moved to its new site in Paris, a building designed by the architect Jean Nouvel on the Boulevard Raspail. Dedicated to contemporary artists and creators, the space gives free reign to their imagination and creativity in making and exhibiting their works. The versatile glass building toys with transparency, reflecting the Fondation’s philosophy of modernity and openness to the world. In this unique setting, exhibitions, conferences and artistic productions come to life. The Fondation Cartier has thus established itself as a vital contemporary art institution extending an invitation to (re) discover artists in unexpected places.

In keeping with our era, the Fondation Cartier explores every field of creation: visual arts, science, architecture, design, fashion and film. In doing so, it asserts its expertise and commitment, combining rigor and eclecticism in seeking to make contemporary art accessible to all.

Every year, the Fondation Cartier concocts a program of thematic and solo exhibitions, and commissions artists for works, continually enriching its significant collection. Now comprising nearly 4000 works springing from its rich, multidisciplinary program, this collection attests to relationships that have been nurtured with over 500 artists from around the world.

In its continual exploration of the state of the world, the Fondation Cartier delves into deeply topical questions. Ecological issues pertaining to the relationship between humans and nature have been at the heart of its programming for a number of years.

The Fondation Cartier has also established longstanding relationships with contemporary artists from communities in Brazil, Paraguay, Venezuela and Australia, attesting to the diversity and vibrancy of indigenous languages and cultures. By presenting their works, the Fondation Cartier is showcasing the vital connection linking these peoples to their territories, and to their age-old traditions of equality between humans and non-humans – inviting us to follow their example in rethinking new forms of earthly coexistence among living beings.

The Fondation Cartier also hosts the Nomadic Nights, a series of performing arts events featuring artists who create connections between the visual arts and other forms of expression in contemporary art. The artists are invited to take over the Fondation Cartier’s exhibition spaces and garden for an evening.