Jean Cocteau In Menton

Translation available : Deutsch

The City of Menton has long maintained a special relationship with Jean Cocteau.

Over the long period of time he spent on the French Riviera in the 50s, the artist often came to Menton. He created three works in the city, starting in 1957.

On the request of the Mayor of the period, Francis Palmero, he first painted the Salle des Mariages (wedding room), inaugurated on 22 March 1958. He also decorated the Mayor’s office with a wall painting representing Orpheus in front of the Old City of Menton.

In one of his walks through the city, the poet discovered a small 17th century fort called the Bastion. There, he created a small museum which was inaugurated in April 1966, three years after his death. This site bears the hallmark of the artist who designed the restoration of the building, the decoration of its façade and floor (pebble mosaic) as well as the layout of his “Innamorati” and several other works

Discover Jean Cocteau Museum

HISTORY OF THE COLLECTION SEVERIN WUNDERMAN

Belgian-born American collector Severin Wunderman had the project of bringing a large part of his collection dedicated to Jean Cocteau and his artist friends to France. After several meetings with Jean-Claude Guibal, Deputy-Mayor of Menton, Severin Wunderman decided to donate part of his works.

The City then undertook to build a museum. On 1 December 2003, the project for the creation of a “Jean Cocteau - Severin Wunderman Collection” museum was approved by the Municipal Council . This genuine artistic treasure which was given to the City obviously comprises works by Jean Cocteau, but also a collection on Sarah Bernhardt and theatre as well as modern art paintings (Modigliani, De Chirico, Miro, Fogita and others).

The donation comprises over 1 525 works listed in the museum’s inventory: some 627 drawings, 424 photos, 178 manuscripts, 256 engravings, 70 posters, 59 illustrated books, and as may oil paintings on canvas, sculptures, jewellery, ceramic works, tapestries, stained glass windows, etc. On 25 July 2005, Severin Wunderman was made Citizen of Honour of the City, nearly fifty years after Jean Cocteau.

In accordance with the wish of the American collector, the future “Jean Cocteau - Severin Wunderman Collection” museum will be built at the foot of the old city, near the Bastion, in the hamlet of “Les Pêcheurs”.

Wedding hall

Decorated by Jean Cocteau, who transformed it into a gigantic work of art, this room is unique in France.

Open daily except Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays: 8.30 am-12.30 pm and 2 pm-5 pm - Hôtel de Ville [Town Hall], Place Ardoïno.

Price > €2 (free for under 18s)

Group price (min. 20 people • students under 25) > €1

Tickets available from the Tourist Office, www.menton.fr or on site

Jean Cocteau Museum in the "Bastion"

Jean Cocteau chose to exhibit his work in a 17th century fort. Pebble mosaics, tapestries, ceramics and pastels pay tribute to this prince of poets. Open year round 10 am-12 pm and 2 pm-6 pm, except Tuesdays and bank holidays - Esplanade du Bastion

Price >€3 (free for under 18s and on the 1st Sunday of each month)

Group price (min. 20 people • students under 25) > €2

Tickets available from the Tourist Office