Collioure has long inspired artists. It was on the narrow streets of this sunny commune, dotted with rocky beaches, that the talented Matisse and Derein set up their easels around 1905.
With the integration of several other renowned artists (Léopold Survage, Albert Marquet, Max Jacob, Jean Peské...) who succeeded one another in this Catalan resort, the town has become a reference in terms of counting history through art. The museum of modern art is a great place to visit during a camping holiday in Collioure.
THE HISTORY OF THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART IN COLLIOURE
The Collioure Museum of Modern Art was founded in 1934 on the initiative of Jean Peské, a painter of Russian origin who frequented the town. He collected 190 works (paintings, portraits, drawings,
lithographs, etc.) which made up the museum's initial collection, the vast majority of which were donated by his artist friends who lived in or passed through Collioure. At that time, the museum was still located in a room in the town hall. Unfortunately, after Jean Peské's death in 1949, the town hall was refurbished and the works were no longer exhibited. In 1985, the Friends of the Museum decided to reopen the museum.
It was moved to the villa of the town's former senator, nestled on the eponymous hill, which has now been converted into a green park open to the general public. Since 1990, the museum has also housed an artist's studio and currently has a collection of over 1400 works.
The museum is only 7 km away from the campsite in the Pyrénées Orientales.
PERMANENT EXHIBITIONS
The very dynamic museum of contemporary art in Collioure offers two or three temporary exhibitions in a year. Themed exhibitions, the presentation of works by workshop participants, the revelation of a new rising star in art... the museum has something to marvel at at any season of the year.
The initial collection bequeathed or donated to Jean Peské and some contemporary works evoking the history or authenticity of Collioure make up the museum's permanent exhibition.