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21 Bd d'Italie, 98000 Monaco
- +377 93 30 30 33
- https://www.mbartfoundation.com/
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Mon - Fri10:00 to 17:00Sat - SunClosed
Francis Bacon MB Art Foundation
The Francis Bacon MB Art Foundation in Monaco is a unique institution dedicated to the life, work, and legacy of the renowned British painter Francis Bacon. Established in 2014, the foundation serves as both a museum and a research center, offering an in-depth exploration of Bacon’s artistic journey, with a special focus on his time in Monaco and France.
Located in a beautifully preserved Belle Époque building, the foundation houses an extensive collection of paintings, photographs, documents, and personal belongings related to Bacon. It provides a rare glimpse into the artist’s creative process, influences, and the deep connection he had with the French Riviera.
As a center for study and discovery, the Francis Bacon MB Art Foundation supports academic research, exhibitions, and publications, contributing to a greater understanding of Bacon’s impact on contemporary art. Visits to the foundation are available by appointment, offering an exclusive and immersive experience for art lovers, researchers, and scholars.
Domas Google Reviews
Amazing tour in English! Unfortunately no pictures allowed inside. Very interesting stories about FB and also some of the great art. Recommended!
DrAlexandra A-Gabriele Google Reviews
For art lovers or not, the visit to the Francis Bacon foundation will allow to understand the life and periods of the artist. Quality is present at all stages . You must make an appointment , but the follow up is very profesional . A joy.
cyrus samii Google Reviews
Though there is something visceral in the appeal of Francis Bacon's painting, it is also enigmatic in so many ways. As is his persona. So it was a true pleasure to find, in Monaco, a foundation devoted to shedding light on both. Cecilia, who led the tour, provided insight into the artist and his motivations, while also adding layers that only served to enhance the body of his work. To a collection that included paintings, personal photo-albums and artefacts from his London studio, she added anecdotes from his childhood and her extensive knowledge from catalogues raisonnés. She brought the artist and his art to life, revealing the ever-present shadow of death, and the ubiquitous element of chance. Cecilia was eloquent, personable, engaged, and in complete command of the material, always bringing the work to life through her understanding of Bacon's narrative and indeed, character. An understanding that was enriched, in so many ways by a collection of works and objects, the touchstones that help define, or at least understand a life.
Anne Houston Google Reviews
Fantastic website. Intuitive to use and full of insightful and fascinating information for all Francis Bacon fans. It's worth exploring the website thoroughly- it's a treasure trove. The Institution clearly does great work.
Sarah Haselwood Google Reviews
The website is extremely informative and interesting. Whets the appetite for the exhibition which gives a fascinating insight into Bacon's life and work. Very knowledgeable guide totally enhanced the experience. Cannot recommend it highly enough.
Peter Banks Google Reviews
This website is an absolute goldmine of information on Francis Bacon, and is a must for anyone with an interest in Bacon and the wider field of 20th century art. It is quite obvious that the Foundation in Monaco holds a vast repertoire of Bacon's work, and is an outstanding centre for the study of this remarkable artist and his work. Not to be missed.
Stephen O’Keeffe Google Reviews
Visited on Saturday 5th October, 2019, in a group of 7 people. Given a tour of the current exhibits by Cecelia who was very knowledgeable about his life and works. Bacon has less than 600 completed canvasses which is relatively little for such a long career. Great insight into the life of Francis Bacon and in particular his time in Monaco. Many personal details available to view at the exhibition such as his French citizenship papers. Learned that he enjoyed gambling, brought his former nanny to Monaco and that he spoke French fluently. He was influenced by other great artists of the time including Picasso. His relationship with George Dyer, which ended in tragedy, and his major exhibitions in Paris in the 70s were well covered. Artefacts from his studio in Monaco are contained in a small room but it is much tidier than his London studio that was transplanted in its entirety to the Hugh Lane museum in Dublin following his death. Pieces in the exhibition by Eileen Gray and Louis le Brocquy added to a sense of an Irish connection with Bacon for me. The library of Bacon’s own books as found in his London studio and all the books written about him must be interesting for students of art. He is still being studied and the MB Art Foundation is funding students in this endeavor. A humorous part of the tour was the washroom but I will not spoil the fun. The visit took close to two hours and was an excellent insight into one of the 20th century’s foremost figurative artists. I would thoroughly recommend it to all who appreciate and love great art. Thanks to all in the foundation who made the visit possible and thanks for the beautiful book on Bacon which was given to everybody who participated at the end of the visit.