Goetz-Boumeester Museum, Villefranche-sur-Mer

This museum's collection is composed of the donation of Henri Goetz to the town of Villefranche. It is located on the ground floor of an old barrack building in the 16th-century citadel, which houses many museums.

Henri Bernard Goetz was a French-American surrealist painter and engraver, famous for inventing the carborundum printmaking process, in which the image is created by adding light passages to a dark field. He was a friend of Léger and Kandinsky, as well as a notable member of the Parisian resistance during the Second World War, fleeing to Cannes after he and his wife, Christine, were almost arrested.

Their collection holds works by many famous contemporary artists including Picasso, Miro, Picabia and Hartung. There are also paintings by Christine Boumeester and Henri Goetz.

Reviews

Visitor comments

"You can easily spend an hour or two wandering around looking at the interesting sculptures, art gallery, views and various other interesting places within the citadel. Definitely worth a visit if in the area." - Trip Advisor
"We love this imposing structure and its repurposed use. The sculptures and garden are beautiful. The views,stunning! It would be wonderful to attend the outdoor concerts there in season.Very much worth a visit." - Trip Advisor
"We really enjoyed our visit here. There's so much to see and it's all free. The staff are friendly and very helpful. One would need at least two hours to see everything. There's also a beautiful terrace garden with great views of the harbour." - Trip Advisor

Booking Arrangements

When to come

The museum is open during the summer season (1st June to 10th September) Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 18:30, as well as Sundays 15:00-18:30. The rest of the year, from 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30, Sundays 14:00 to 17:30. Closed in November.