The castle of Vallauris is located in the eponymous town of Vallauris, in the Alpes-Maritimes department, a few kilometers northeast of Cannes.
Located in the center of the city, it was originally a priory (12th century) which then became the priory of the Abbey of Lérins and was then the subject of major alterations, sporting a Renaissance architecture (16th century). Four towers topped with pepper pots are thus fitted out, adding a "feudal" touch.
New restoration work was undertaken in the 18th century, then in the 20th century, acquired by the city, the castle was transformed into a museum. It now houses no less than three museums.
In the chapel of Romanesque origin, is installed the Picasso national museum "War and Peace". In 1952, Pablo Picasso painted two monumental works there facing each other, on panels following the shape of the vault. We distinguish on the one hand "War" perched on a chariot surrounded by the misfortunes it sows in its path and on the other hand, "Peace" symbolized by a tightrope walker on a fragile journey alongside a family taking advantage of the summer.
Another area of the castle houses the Alberto Magnelli museum, named after the Italian artist (1888-1971) who settled and worked in France. His personal collection (paintings, collages, engravings) kept in the region was donated to the town of Vallauris by his widow. We observe the evolution of Magnelli's work, which passed from figurative to abstract art via periods dedicated to expressionism or cubism, in particular.
Finally, on the first floor of the castle which is accessed by a magnificent Renaissance staircase, is presented the collection of the Ceramics Museum, which traces the history of this craftsmanship intimately linked to the history of the locality. For example, pottery with a culinary vocation dating from Antiquity to the 1920s is exhibited in the former kitchen of the monks of Lérins... Contemporary creations embracing different artistic movements are also presented, highlighting the secular know-how of local craftsmen but also their openness to the influences that have intersected for centuries on the Côte d'Azur... Symbol of the city, ceramics has found a beautiful setting here.
Visiting the museums allows you, at the same time, to discover the majesty of the castle, listed in the Inventory.
Open all year. Entrance fee (access to the three museums): 3 and 6 euros. Information on +33 4 93 64 71 83.
