Musée Jean-Cocteau - Le Bastion
17th-century fort on the Menton harbor, transformed by Jean Cocteau into a testament museum and opened in 1966.
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About the museum
The Bastion is a small 17th-century fort that closes off the breakwater between the Menton harbor and the Promenade du Soleil. In 1957, while decorating the marriage room of the town hall, Jean Cocteau noticed this abandoned building. The mayor at the time, Francis Palmero, offered him the chance to show his works there. The artist accepted, while refusing the word “museum,” and promised to change the works as soon as they took on the air of habit.
Cocteau supervised the restoration himself and designed the decor: pebble mosaics on the façade, on the ground floor, where a large lizard appears, and in the eleven loopholes of the upper floor. He also drew up a list of works from 1958 until his death in 1963. His adopted son Édouard Dermit completed the work according to his instructions, and the museum opened in 1966.
The original collection comprises 102 works, including 70 drawings, two paintings, three lithographs, two tapestries and eleven pieces of pottery. It was supplemented by further gifts and acquisitions. In 2005 it was combined with the donation of Séverin Wunderman, forming a collection of more than two thousand pieces. The displays change regularly, in keeping with the artist's wishes.
Highlights
- First museum devoted to Jean Cocteau, opened in 1966
- 17th-century fort decorated with pebble mosaics designed by the artist
- Original collection of 102 works: drawings, tapestries, pottery, lithographs
- Innamorati and sphinx series, drawings for the marriage room
- Displays changed regularly
- Founded
- 1966
- Operated by
- Ville de Menton
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3.75Students, teachers, large families and visitors over 65, with proof. |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free for children under 18. |
| Seniors | €3.75Over 65, with proof. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree for visitors with disabilities. |
| Students & apprentices | €3.75With proof. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €2.50 per personHalf price for groups of 10 or more and for professional partners. |
| Families | –Reduced rate for large families, with proof. |
| Quick guided tour of the Bastion, in addition to admission (registration required) | €4 |
Free admission: The first Sunday of every month.
Free for job seekers too.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Because of the layout of this 17th-century building, the Bastion is not wheelchair-accessible.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Quick guided tour of the Bastion by registration with the Service du Patrimoine. School groups come for a self-guided or guided visit, by reservation; because of the layout of the rooms, large classes may have to be divided into half groups. |
