antti lovag's iconic maison bernard from the 1970s hosts genius loci exhibition in france

Genius Loci exhibition takes over Maison Bernard IN FRANCE

For its latest edition, the Genius Loci experiential exhibition takes over the iconic Maison Bernard in Théoule-sur-Mer, France, an icon of organic architecture designed by Hungarian architect Antti Lovag in the 1970s. From June 8th to 23rd, the unique residence is set to host a series of artworks by over 20 modern and contemporary artists and designers. The show will feature special commissions and installations that interact with the residence’s distinctive spherical spaces and succulent garden. 

Notable contributions include works by Marcin Rusak, Safia Hijos, and Xavier Veilhan. Additionally, a temporary eco-responsible installation, led by Samuel Nguyen and co-created with students from Villa Arson in Nice, is showcased. In a unique fusion of dance and architecture, dancer and choreographer Némo Flouret presents DANCE PARC: a playground project, a promenade performance specially conceived to engage with Lovag’s extraordinary architectural vision. Organized in partnership with the Maison Bernard Endowment Fund and curated by Marion Vignal, the exhibition celebrates the genius of Lovag’s design, highlighting its harmonious integration with nature, dreamlike quality, and creative freedom.

Maison Bernard by Antti Lovag | image © Yves Gellie / Maison Bernard Endowment Fund

the story of maison bernard by antti lovag

Maison Bernard (find more here), built in the 1970s, is the product of a collaboration between two innovative minds: architect Antti Lovag and industrialist Pierre Bernard. Nestled in the Estérel Massif with its striking red rocks overlooking the Mediterranean, the house reflects their shared vision.

Antti Lovag, familiar with the region from his work with architect Jacques Couëlle on the Port-la-Galère private residence in the 1960s, was chosen by Pierre Bernard to design his holiday home in Théoule-sur-Mer, near Cannes. Lovag’s unconventional architectural style, which defied the norms of the time, captivated Bernard. Taking nearly ten years to complete using artisanal techniques, Maison Bernard is an emblem of organic architecture, characterized by its lack of right angles and flowing, ovoid shapes. Lovag believed spherical forms were most suited to human habitation, prioritizing functionality and meticulous design in every aspect of the home.

The partnership between Lovag and Bernard was not just professional but deeply personal, resulting in the creation of another architectural masterpiece, the Palais Bulles, a few kilometers away. After Pierre Bernard’s sudden death in 1991, the house was restored in 2015 by his children with the help of architect Odile Decq. Today, Maison Bernard stands as one of the finest examples of Lovag’s organic architecture and his vision of well-being.

the architecture is characterized by its flowing shapes | | image © Yves Gellie / Maison Bernard Endowment Fund

about genius loci

Founded in Paris in 2021 by curator Marion Vignal, Genius Loci (find more here) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting architectural heritage and contemporary creativity. Emphasizing education and knowledge transmission, it highlights the history of architecture while fostering new artistic productions and interdisciplinary dialogues.

Genius Loci’s experiential exhibitions aim to engage a broad audience by focusing on architecture as a cultural medium. The organization showcases hidden or lesser-known architectural gems, providing rare access to private venues typically closed to the public. These events blend architecture with contemporary art and design, enhancing each venue’s artistic resonance and revitalizing its spirit. Additionally, the exhibitions offer contemporary performing artists opportunities to create works that interact with the architecture.

Since its inception, Genius Loci has granted public access to several significant architectural landmarks, including Gio Ponti’s L’Ange Volant villa in Garches, Auguste Perret’s apartment in Paris, Ricardo Bofill’s Les Espaces d’Abraxas in Noisy-le-Grand, and the Ozenfant House by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret.

Safia Hijos ‘Dialogue du vent et de la mer’, Les herbes rouges, Grès extrudé｜Extruded stoneware, 2024. courtesy Safia Hijos Commande spéciale Genius Loci et Fonds de dotation Maison Bernard Genius Loci special commission and Maison Bernard Endowment Fund © Adrien Dirand

Xavier Veilhan, Rays(Maison Bernard), Rubber, polyester and stainless steel 2024. courtesy Xavier Veilhan and Galerie Andréhn-Schiptjenko Genius Loci special commission and Maison Bernard Endowment Fund © Yves Gellie

Spinal, Pin et acier inoxydable｜Pine and stainless steel 2024 | image courtesy Charlotte Chesnais Commande spéciale Genius Loci｜Genius Loci special commission © Adrien Dirand

Studio GGSV, Cosmogonie, Impression sur vinyle transparent ｜Print on clear vinyl, 2024. Commande spéciale Genius Loci｜Genius Loci special commission © Adrien Dirand

Marion Mailaender, A1562, Couvre-lit en coton et œillets en inox, Cotton bedspread with stainless steel eyelets, 2024. Marion Mailaender Commande spéciale Genius Loci et Fonds de dotation Maison Bernard Genius Loci special commission and Maison Bernard Endowment Fund © Adrien Dirand

Antoine Poncet, Inébranlable, Marble blanc｜White marble 1976. Galerie Jacques Lacoste © Adrien Dirand

David Logan, Entrejambe, Marbre blanc｜White marble 1990. Collection privée ｜Private collection © Adrien Dirand

Venia Dimitrakopoulou, Agamemnon II, Pierre volcanique｜Volcanic stone 2018. courtesy Venia Dimitrakopoulou © Adrien Dirand

Marcin Rusak, Ghost Orchid, Impression 3D et PLA métallisé｜3D printing and metallic PLA 2024. Marcin Rusak Studio Commande spéciale Genius Loci｜Genius Loci special commission © Adrien Dirand    

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Workshop de la Villa Arson Ctrl + skênê heterôsis sous la direction de Samuel Nguyen par Hélène Blondel, Sarah Cotelle, Silvio Demoro, Igor Gmeline, Juliette Moran, Jieun Oh, installation éphémère, matériaux mixtes 2024. Commande spéciale Genius Loci et Fonds de dotation Maison Bernard Genius Loci special commission and Maison Bernard Endowment Fund © Adrien Dirand

Isa Melsheimer Larvae II Céramique émaillée｜Glazed ceramic 2021 | imag courtesy Galerie Esther Schipper © Adrien Dirand

Rachel Robinson, Ossature, Laiton et bronze｜Brass and bronze, 2024. Commande spéciale Genius Loci et Fonds de dotation Maison Bernard Genius Loci special commission and Maison Bernard Endowment Fund © Adrien Dirand

Sabrina Le Bachelier, Sphère céleste : exploration des énergies humaines et architecturales, Grès et émaux｜Stoneware and glaze, 2024. courtesy Sabrina Le Bachelier Commande spéciale Genius Loci｜Genius Loci special commission © Adrien Dirand

project info: 

name: Maison Bernard 
architect: Antti Lovag
location: Port-la-Galère, 06590 Théoule-sur-Mer, France
exhibition: Genius Loci Experience | @geniusloci_experience

dates: June 8th to 23rd, 2024