On Thursday, September 29th, the inauguration of the forecourt of the Museum of Asian Arts took place. Located in the heart of Phoenix Park, the museum is now directly open to the mythical Promenade des Anglais.
An Internationally Acclaimed Museum
The Museum of Asian Arts is a true temple of culture in the heart of Nice. The project dates back to the 1980s, initiated by Jacques Médecin in collaboration with Japanese painter and art collector Pierre-Yves Trémois. The focus was entirely on Japan and its culture. After multiple complications, it was finally on October 16, 1998, the year of Japan in France, that the museum was inaugurated. This achievement is credited to Charles Ginésy, the then president of the Department, who confirmed the decision to complete the work, granting the museum a departmental status.
A Large-Scale Project
Charles Ange Ginésy spoke to pay tribute to the dedication of his father and his collaborators. It is largely thanks to them that the museum now features a sublime forecourt directly overlooking the Promenade des Anglais. The forecourt construction began in 2019 to redevelop the entrance to the museum and the garden. The forecourt is entirely mineral and covers an area of 1800 m². The checkered tiles evoke the proportions of tatamis. This architecture is in harmony with that of Kenzo Tange, the original architect of the museum. Its pure and minimalist design is highlighted by this typically Japanese forecourt.
Honored Guests
Éric Ciotti, deputy of the first district of Alpes-Maritimes, and Yukuo Murata, Consul General of Japan in Marseille, also spoke. They are both honored to give such importance to Japanese culture, especially with the exhibition “Hokusai, Journey to the Foot of Mount Fuji.” The exhibition’s opening took place on the same day. It is also worth noting the presence of Alain Frere, who was heavily involved in the very conception of the museum, Christelle d’Intorni, Deputy of the 5th district of Alpes-Maritimes, as well as Auguste Verola, Vice-President of Alpes-Maritimes.
A Traditional Performance
We also had the chance to witness a traditional performance. A troupe of artists delivered an immersive show for this inauguration. Traditional dance, thrilling music, juggling, and acrobatics enchanted us to our greatest delight.
