5th April - 26th October 2008 - Saint Cyprien
(Map)Yoruba
This ethnic Yoruba collection contains 50 Yoruba sculptures which have never before been seen by the public, accentuating the air of mystery which surrounds Yoruba rites and traditions. The aim of the exhibition is to show a mix of aesthetics (beauty, strength, technique, aura…) but also the utility of each object.
Among the most impressive artistic cultures in the world, the Yoruba people live on the west coast of Africa in Nigeria, and also in the eastern
Republic of Benin and Togo. They are one of the
largest cultural groups in Africa with around 40 million Yoruba world-wide.. They created a strong economy through farming, trading, and art
production and their outstanding and unique artistic
traditions include woodcarving, sculpture, metal
work, textiles, and beadwork.
About the museum
The François Desnoyer museum was created in 1972 to house an important donation of pieces from the artist’s personal collection.
In 1994, a second museum, this time one of contemporary art, grew up just a short distance from the first. In 2003, both museums were restructured and given the name “Collections de Saint Cyprien” Since then, they have concentrated on daring, sometimes shocking exhibitions, mostly following a theme of “collections”. With the addition of 700 m2 of extra space, numerous lenders agreed to contribute to the collections, bringing them international status.
New, up-and-coming artists regularly exhibit here also.
Thanks to the legacy from François Desnoyer (French painter) in 1972, the permanent collection is added to regularly.
As well as the many works of Desnoyer, one will also find Albert Marquet, Utrillo, Suzanne Valadon, Salvador Dali, and many other major artists.
Collections de Saint Cyprien
Place de la République - 66750 Saint-Cyprien (France)
tél./fax : 04 68 21 06 96
Place de la République St Cyprien 66750
tél.fax : +33 (0)4 68 21 32 07
Admission: 5€/3€
Opening hours: summer: 10h/12h - 15h/19h every day. Rest of year: 10h/12h - 14h/18h (closed on Tuesdays in winter).
