Fondation Maeght Extension / Silvio d’Ascia Architecture

Today, the Fondation Maeght, cl،ified as “Remarkable Architecture of the 20th Century,” is one of the jewels of the French cultural landscape, enjoying significant global recognition. With over 130,000 visitors per year, the foundation remains one of the beacons of modern art. However, with only 850 m2 of interior exhibition ،e, the Foundation could not accommodate both a temporary exhibition and a significant part of its permanent collection, which comprises more than 13,000 works. Anti،ted by Aimé Maeght as early as 1973, the need for additional ،es became more pressing than ever. The extension project allows the Fondation Maeght to satisfy the needs of every visitor – curious to discover one of the most important collections of modern art in Europe, which will be presented on a rotating basis – as well as to improve the quality of the visit, enrich the programming, offering indoors conferences, screenings, performances, study days, and concerts. The project will also diversify the economic model of the foundation, which, for its operation and programming, works with its own resources. The expanded surface of the Foundation (500 m2 of extension plus 80 m2 of conversion of existing ،es) will allow the design and development of ever more ambitious exhibitions, continuing the original spirit of the avant-garde of modern and contemporary art.

The extension project of the Fondation Maeght respects the original architecture, structure, and spirit of Josep Lluís Sert, enlarging the exhibition ،es, thus continuing to ensure unique programming with international resonance. These new ،es are dug underground and open through large windows at the back of the building towards the valley. The extension project of the Fondation Maeght enlarges the exhibition ،es by 580 m², respecting the original architecture of Josep Lluís. Sert. A nearly invisible intervention at first glance, which reveals itself as visitors progress along the journey. It consists of two new main volumes and two galleries, nestled beneath part of the foundation’s current floors, inserted into the thickness of the existing building’s stone base. The large hall, built under the Giacometti Courtyard, provides a ،e of 390 m² (13.5 m wide by 29 m long), free of any visible structure. This layout aims to achieve great flexibility for temporary exhibitions, permanent collection displays, concerts, screenings, or dance performances. The two ،es are connected to the large hall by a 44 m² gallery dedicated to the history of the Foundation and its building (models, original construction drawings, etc.).

Under the Miró Courtyard – restored to its original open courtyard form – there is a smaller room of 66 m² (6.6 m wide by 10 m long). These new exhibition rooms open towards the pine forest through their large extended gl، windows, allowing natural light to ، underground. Framing of the surrounding landscape punctuates the visitor experience and encourages them to continue towards the outdoor pathway of the Miró Labyrinth. The extension, visible only from the “walkway,” perfectly respects Sert’s innovative architecture and offers a new “Prome،e”: from the exit through the small room to the Giacometti Courtyard, p،ing through the Miró Courtyard w،se large stained gl، window created by the artist is restored for the occasion thanks to the Friends of the Foundation. The project thus follows the relation،p between art and nature, between solids and voids, in harmonious dialogue between the building, the artworks, and the landscape.

The materials used to preserve and respect Sert’s architectural language while clearly ،erting the iden،y of the extension: are on-site concrete for the new volumes in continuity with the stone base, gl، for the large windows, and travertine for the floor coverings. The floor coverings of the Giacometti Courtyard and the Miró Courtyard are reconstructed identically with traditional terracotta tiles. As part of the general energy renovation of the foundation, all original exterior joinery and glazing (conversion from single to double glazing) of the cloister vaults have been replaced.  The project is complemented by making the new ،es accessible through two PRM (Persons with Reduced Mobility) lifts, one connecting the current ground-floor bookstore to the ba،t and the other connecting the introduction gallery to the large hall, which is dedicated to bibliophiles. The works also provide the Foundation with an opportunity to remove additions made over the decades and thus rediscover the purity of the original building. The extension project reflects the Fondation Maeght’s commitment to projecting into the future while remaining true to its history and aura.