Musée Bonnard

About the museum

Pierre Bonnard lived in Le Cannet from 1922 to 1947. After renting three villas, he bought the Le Bosquet house in 1926, where he settled permanently from 1939 until his death. The landscapes and light of the South of France shaped his work: he produced more than three hundred works there, often regarded as among his most accomplished.

The museum project was initiated by the Town of Le Cannet. As early as 1983 it established links with the artist’s family, bought the Hôtel Saint-Vianney in 1998 – the last local example of Belle Époque architecture – and launched an architectural competition in 2005. The museum received the “Musée de France” label in December 2006. A contemporary glass extension connects the former mansion to a garden terrace facing the Vieux Cannet.

The museum opened on June 25, 2011, with the exhibition “Bonnard et Le Cannet. Dans la lumière de la Méditerranée”, which drew nearly 52,000 visitors in three months. It enriches its collections through purchases, donations and deposits from the French State, the Musée d’Orsay and other institutions, and each year presents exhibitions around Bonnard and his artistic environment. Displays of the collections alternate with temporary exhibitions.

Highlights

• The only museum in the world dedicated to the work of Pierre Bonnard
• Belle Époque mansion and contemporary glass extension
• Garden terrace with views of the Vieux Cannet and the horizon
• Paintings made in Le Cannet, including deposits from the Musée d’Orsay
• Workshops for children from 23 months and for adults

Permanent exhibition

• Les Collections – New display devoted to the museum’s collections, including Bonnard’s works painted in Le Cannet.

Founded

2011

Operated by

Ville du Cannet

Visitors per year

approx. 75,000

Admission & discounts

During the collection displays, tickets cost €5 (full price), €3.50 (reduced) and €10 (family); during temporary exhibitions the collections are not visible, or only partly visible. Free admission with proof for: children under 12 when accompanied; students under 26; primary schools, collèges and leisure centers in Le Cannet with their supervisors; ICOM members; curators; guide-interpreters; the Friends of the Musée Bonnard; donors and their direct heirs; and press card holders. When buying a ticket, a €1 donation to enrich the collections is offered.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

An elevator serves every floor and the terrace. Accessible parking spaces (GIG/GIC) are located near the museum, in front of the town hall and opposite the museum. Tours in French Sign Language, for visitors with intellectual disabilities, and for blind and visually impaired visitors are available on request from the visitor services department (+33 4 92 18 24 43 or 47).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Workshops throughout the year for children and families, from 23 months to 19 years: “Bébé au musée” (23 months to 3 years, with a parent), Wednesdays for ages 5–12, a three-generation workshop from age 6, and holiday workshops. A children’s activity booklet can be downloaded for the current exhibition. Bring a cardigan and a small blanket for babies in strollers.

Getting there & parking

By car: A8 motorway, exit no. 42 Le Cannet-Mougins, then follow the signs toward Le Cannet center.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop at 16 boulevard Sadi Carnot, Tuesday to Saturday 10:00–17:00, and online shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 250 guests.

Private hire of the galleries, the 120 m² esplanade, the garden terrace (up to 280 people for a cocktail reception, 180 for a seated dinner) and the 50 m² conference room (40 seated). Evening events every day from 19:00, and Mondays all day, subject to availability.

Plan your visit