Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
The Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, also known by its French acronym MAMCS, is a prominent art museum located in Strasbourg, France. Established in 1973, the museum first opened its doors to the public in December 1998. Since then, it has been a dynamic center for the display and appreciation of modern and contemporary art.
Architecture and Facilities
The museum is situated near the railway station and is architecturally notable for its modern design, which integrates a spacious floor plan with an inviting roof terrace that hosts a museum café. The building is not only a repository of art but also a vibrant cultural space housing an auditorium, the museum library, an art book shop, and a multi-purpose auditorium for conferences, films, and concerts. The museum's infrastructure is designed to foster interactive experiences that engage visitors with the art displayed.
Collections
MAMCS boasts a comprehensive array of artworks, ranging from notable 19th-century works to cutting-edge pieces by contemporary artists. Among its celebrated holdings are the first cubist painting ever purchased by a public French collection, Still Life (1911) by Georges Braque, acquired in 1923. Additionally, it houses Joan of Arc Kissing the Sword of Deliverance (1863) by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, which was purchased in 1996 and is now displayed in the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
The museum's collection is consistently enriched, and it is particularly noted for its representation of contemporary German painters, including Markus Lüpertz, Georg Baselitz, and Jörg Immendorff, among others. These works offer a representative glimpse of an art genre that is otherwise rarely seen in France on such a scale.
Exhibitions and Activities
MAMCS organizes three to four exhibitions annually, making it an active participant in the international art scene. These exhibitions are designed to bring modern and contemporary art into dialogue, providing a platform for current research, creation, and mediation of artistic works. The museum's role extends beyond traditional exhibition; it is a place for the public to engage with art in innovative and participatory ways.
The Role of the Museum in Cultural Dialogue
The Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art plays a significant role in the cultural landscape of Strasbourg and beyond. It serves as a bridge between the historical elements of the city and the vibrant pulse of contemporary art. The museum's efforts to continuously update and expand its collections and engage with a diverse range of artists underscore its commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of art in the modern world.