MuMa Museum of modern art André Malraux

Situated at the entrance of the port in Le Havre, the MuMa Museum of modern art André Malraux, also known as Musée d'art moderne André-Malraux, stands as a beacon of cultural and architectural innovation. This museum, named in honor of the French writer André Malraux, who inaugurated it in 1961, is renowned for housing one of the richest collections of Impressionist paintings outside Paris. The museum's intriguing history, avant-garde architecture, and exceptional art collections make it an unmissable destination for art lovers and curious tourists alike.

The History of MuMa Museum

The story of MuMa Museum begins in 1845 when it was originally established as the Musée des Beaux-Arts du Havre. However, the original building was completely destroyed during the bombings of World War II. Fortunately, 1,500 paintings had been safely evacuated, although many sculptures were lost. The museum was the first in France to be reconstructed after the war, marking a new chapter in its history.

In 1951, the city of Le Havre decided to build a new museum. The project began in 1952, driven by the efforts of Georges Salles, the director of French Museums, and Reynold Arnould, a local artist and museum curator. They envisioned a museum that would break away from traditional models, aiming to create a space that would foster constant artistic stimulation. This vision led to the inclusion of various multifunctional spaces such as exhibition halls, workshops, a cafeteria, a library, and even a discotheque.

The architectural project was entrusted to Guy Lagneau and his associates Raymond Audigier, Michel Weill, and Jean Dimitrijevic. Construction began in 1958, with significant contributions from Jean Prouvé, who designed the large door facing the sea. The museum was inaugurated by André Malraux on June 24, 1961, as the first Musée-Maison de la Culture, a pioneering concept that influenced future cultural institutions like the Centre Pompidou.

In 1993, due to the deteriorating effects of the marine air, the municipality decided to renovate the museum. Architects Emmanuelle and Laurent Beaudouin undertook the task, enhancing the building's architectural and landscape qualities between 1995 and 1999. The museum was renamed Musée Malraux, and in 2011, on its fiftieth anniversary, it adopted the name MuMa Museum of modern art André Malraux.

The Architecture of MuMa Museum

The MuMa Museum is a masterpiece of modern architecture, designed by a team of visionary architects and engineers. The building is characterized by its flexibility and transparency, with a structure that allows for versatile use of space. The museum is constructed with glass on five sides, bathing the interior in natural light. This design choice creates a harmonious interaction between the museum and its coastal environment.

The facades exposed to the winds are made of double glass panels and aluminum, designed by Jean Prouvé. He also created the large service door and the innovative aluminum louver system on the roof, which diffuses sunlight into the building. This technological marvel ensures a soft, even illumination throughout the museum, combining traditional zenithal lighting with lateral lighting from all four cardinal points.

The interior of the museum is devoid of load-bearing walls, relying instead on a few strategically placed columns. This design frees up a vast open space that can be adapted for various exhibitions, concerts, conferences, and performances. The open layout and extensive glazing create an atmosphere of transparency, allowing the changing light of the Seine estuary to permeate the space, much like the light that inspired many of the Impressionist painters featured in the museum's collection.

One of the most striking features of the museum is Le Signal, a monumental sculpture by Henri-Georges Adam. Commissioned in 1956, this 22-meter-long and 7-meter-high sculpture stands at the entrance of the museum, framing a segment of the landscape and highlighting the museum's unique location at the port's entrance. The sculpture has undergone restoration to preserve its original appearance, reinforcing its role as a symbol of the museum's connection with the sea and the port.

The Collections of MuMa Museum

The MuMa Museum boasts an impressive collection of artworks, primarily from the Impressionist and Fauvist movements. The museum's journey towards becoming a hub for these art styles began in 1936 with a donation from Charles-Auguste Marande, which included 89 works, mostly Impressionist and Fauvist paintings. In 1963, the museum received a significant bequest from the widow of Raoul Dufy, adding 70 of his works to the collection.

One of the most notable contributions came in 2004 from Hélène Senn-Foulds, the granddaughter of the Havre collector Olivier Senn. Her donation included masterpieces by artists such as Eugène Delacroix, Gustave Courbet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet, Henri-Edmond Cross, Félix Vallotton, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Henri Matisse, and Albert Marquet. These works have significantly enriched the museum's holdings, making it a premier destination for lovers of Impressionist and Fauvist art.

The museum's collection also includes works acquired by the city of Le Havre, featuring pieces by Pissarro, Monet, Léger, Hélion, Villon, and Dubuffet. These acquisitions have helped to create a comprehensive overview of the evolution of modern art, from the 19th century to the present day.

Visiting MuMa Museum

A visit to the MuMa Museum of modern art André Malraux is a journey through the history of modern art, set against the stunning backdrop of Le Havre's port. The museum's innovative architecture and exceptional collections offer a unique experience that appeals to art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Whether you're exploring the versatile exhibition spaces, admiring the monumental sculpture Le Signal, or immersing yourself in the light-filled galleries, the MuMa Museum is sure to leave a lasting impression.