The Fondation Beyeler presents the first Henri Matisse retrospective in Switzerland and in the German-speaking world in almost 20 years.
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.
To celebrate the exhibition "Matisse – Invitation to the Voyage", a major retrospective of the important French artist’s work which opens at the Fondation Beyeler this autumn, you have the opportunity to take part in the big competition by purchasing an exhibition ticket. The main prize is a trip worth CHF 2,000 that will take you to Nice on the trail of Henri Matisse. There are also other artistic prizes to be won: the exhibition catalogue, high-quality art prints, postcards and other surprises related to the exhibition.
To enter the competition, book a ticket for the "Matisse – Invitation to the Voyage" exhibition in our online ticket shop by 21 September 2024 and confirm your participation in the competition during the purchase process. The winners will be notified by email after the competition closes at the end of September. The decision is final. You can find the terms of participation here.
The exhibition "Matisse – Invitation to the Voyage" will run from 22 September 2024 to 26 January 2025 at the Fondation Beyeler.
Buy a TICKET now and win!
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.
Numerous trips to the Mediterranean, North Africa, the US and Tahiti influenced Matisse’s work. The finest little delicacies from these regions and countries appear on the evening menu as a range of small dishes. Paired with fine French wines and signature drinks, these specialities from near and far take you on a culinary journey in the footsteps of Matisse.
The restaurant is happy to accept table bookings for the French breakfast at 9 am.
Art Print
Henri Matisse
Each work of art is an original which is part of what makes it so special. The disadvantage, however, is that the work cannot be in several places at once. As a way of allowing us to look at paintings outside as well as inside the museum, the Fondation Beyeler creates high-quality fine art prints of selected works digital printed on high-quality papers that are resistant to ageing.
Swatch
Henri Matisse
A miniature masterpiece for your wrist, this Swatch x Tate watch is inspired by The Snail, 1953 by Henri Matisse. The limited-edition watches were created as part of the “Swatch Art Journey”, a collaboration between Swatch and renowned museums, studios, and art institutions.
Puzzle
Dinner with Matisse
The idea of cutting up a picture into small pieces, and then having fun trying to reassemble it again, is over 250 years old. In our digital present, too, jigsaw puzzles have lost none of their appeal, either for children or for adults. Doing a jigsaw of an artwork is a particularly enjoyable way of getting to know a painting in detail.
The exhibition is generously supported by:
as well as further patrons who prefer to stay anonymous.
If you are interested in the Fondation Beyeler and its various exhibitions and events, we would be happy to keep you informed via newsletters and social media.
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