Matisse (1869–1954) ranks among the most famous exponents of modern art. His groundbreaking work has had a profound influence on generations of artists, from his contemporaries up to the present day.
By freeing colour from the motif and simplifying forms, he redefined painting and brought a hitherto unknown lightness to art. With more than 70 major works on loan from prestigious European and American museums as well as private collections, the exhibition highlights the development and the wide range of the artist’s pioneering oeuvre. It begins with the early works created around 1900, moving on to the revolutionary paintings of Fauvism and the experimental works of the 1910s, the sensual paintings of the Nice period and the 1930s, before culminating in the legendary cut-outs of his late work in the 1940s and 1950s. The exhibition takes as its starting point Charles Baudelaire’s famous poem “Invitation to the Voyage”. It thus invites viewers on a journey through Matisse’s singular work, in which travel played an important part. During his explorations of countries such as Italy, Spain, Russia, Morocco, the United States and Tahiti, the artist found ever-renewed inspiration in the nature and art of other cultures.
In a multimedia space conceived specially for the exhibition, Matisse’s travels are made vivid through animated historical photographs and wall panels. Photographs and films further provide insights into his studios and his creative process.
Beyeler Restaurant im Park: embark on a culinary journey
Inspired by the life and travels of Henri Matisse, the Beyeler Restaurant im Park invites you on a culinary journey. As part of the exhibition Matisse – Invitation to the Voyage, the restaurant is opening an hour earlier, at 9 am, whetting your appetite for a day full of art with a French breakfast. The ‘petit-déjeuner’ features fresh baguettes, croissants, homemade jam, madeleines and other French classics. Enjoy a café au lait in exquisite French style.
Another à la carte highlight in the restaurant is the risotto made from the original recipe of the French artist himself. Henri Matisse’s recipe has been deciphered and the delicious risotto is now a firm favourite with diners.
The restaurant is happy to accept table bookings for the French breakfast at 9 am.
Audio guide
The audio guide invites you on an inspiring stroll through the exhibition. Dialogues around selected works provide captivating insights into the biographical context of Matisse’s artistic development, shed light on his working processes and offer elements of interpretation for his themes and motifs. Encounters with Fondation Beyeler experts involved in the exhibition give further texture to this audio experience. The audio guide is available from the information desk in English, German and French. Cost: CHF 8 with rental device, CHF 5 on your own smartphone (free up to age 25).
Podcast: "Matisse - Invitation to the Voyage"
"This is Basel" - the art and architecture podcast with Selma & Sophie.
In the eighth episode, the two hosts talk to Dr Raphaël Bouvier, art historian and senior curator, about the new museum exhibition "Matisse - Invitation to the Voyage" at the Fondation Beyeler. The podcast is recorded in German.
Narrative café – Invitation to join the voyage
Do you prefer far-flung destinations or exploring nearby locales?
Based on the works of Henri Matisse, the famous French painter and traveller, the narrative café is inviting visitors to discuss their own (life) journeys, be they small or large, internal or external.
The multi-generational narrative café is a free event hosted by the Fondation Beyeler, where participants can recount life experiences and anecdotes. This exchange provides an opportunity to gain new perspectives and have shared moments.