The sculptor, Antoniucci Volti, was born in Italy in 1915 but his family lived in Villefranche-sur-Mer. His collection is housed in the town's 16th-century citadel.
The saint Elme citadel is a massive stone fortress built on the orders of Emmanuel-Philibert of Savoy in 1557 to defend the city and protect the harbour.
Nestling in the base of the Citadel blockhouses, an entire population of bronze, copper and terracotta female creatures featuring voluptuous curves is displayed in a rough stone showcase. Volti began his career as a sculptor in the 1940s after studying in Paris and completing military service.
This museum dedicated to his impressive sculptures was opened in 1981.
