After over four years of rebuilding and modernising, the LaM (Greater Lille Museum of Modern Art and Contemporary Art and Art Brut) is re-opening on September 25th. The first museum in Europe simultaneously covering all the main 20th and 21st century art movements, LaM features works from the likes of Picasso, Braque, Rouault, Modigliani and more.
In 1999, the Museum acquired a huge collection of over 4000 works of art brut donated by Aracine, an association of artists and collectors of art brut, which roughly translates as 'raw art.' It was a term invented by Jean Dubuffet for art created outside the fine art tradition with all its emphasis on academic training. Art brut includes graffiti and work by primitive artists and children.
Located just outside Lille in Villeneuve d'Ascq, LaM is set in a stunning park of sculptures by Calder, Picasso and others. Three major collections will fill the spaces inside and there are also huge galleries for temporary exhibitions. It looks poised to become a major cultural attraction in the Nord region of France.
Practical Information:
1 allée du Musée
59650 Villeneuve d'Ascq
Tel.: 0033 (0)3 20 19 68
www.musee-lam.fr
More information on Lille
Image: Modligliani from the collections of LaM