Paris Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection: inaugural exhibition ‘Ouverture’

The inaugural exhibition of the newly renovated Bourse de Commerce building in Paris from a stock exchange into a contemporary art museum is called Ouverture– a collection of works selected by Francois Pinault.

Japanese architect Tadao Ando managed the extensive three-year renovations costing $195 million. It is the new home of French billionaire Francois Pinault’s art collection of about 10,000 works by about 400 international artists. The mayor of Paris suggested the disused 1812 circular, glass-domed building. The renovations retain the original 1889 mural created for the Universal Exposition, but it was restored, taking a team of 24 art restorers six months. There is also a restaurant on the top floor.

The first exhibition launched the new building on 22 May 2021 with the Ouverture (Opening) exhibition. Francois Pinault selected each artist, each project, and each artwork – over 200 works from over 30 artists – from his collection.

The ground floor centrepiece statue is by Swiss Urs Fischer, called ‘Untitled’ (2011-2020) – it is a large wax candle. In the surrounding galleries are artworks that include paintings, sketches, photographs, installations, statues, and neon lights.

Fifteen exhibitions are planned for 2021 and 2022 to showcase pieces in Pinault’s collection.

MARTINA NICOLLS

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MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of: The Paris Residences of James Joyce (2020), Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom (2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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