Centre d'art La Malmaison

The Centre d'art La Malmaison is a contemporary art centre at 47 Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes, on the French Riviera in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. It occupies a former villa, the last surviving part of the 19th-century Grand Hôtel complex, and sits beside the Grand Hôtel on the Croisette seafront. The building has a classical facade and a quiet garden, and it is one of the few cultural venues on the busy promenade.

The centre presents changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, with past shows covering painters, photographers and sculptors connected to the Riviera, such as Picasso, Matisse and Jean Cocteau. Because the programme changes, the content depends on the current exhibition, and visitors should check the schedule on the city website before going. The rooms are small, and a visit takes around 45 minutes, which makes the centre easy to combine with a walk along the Croisette.

Opening days depend on the exhibition, and the centre is typically open Tuesday to Sunday afternoons. Entry is reported to be free, although special exhibitions may carry a charge, so confirm before visiting. The location on the seafront makes it simple to reach on foot from the Palais des Festivals or by Bus 8 along the boulevard.

The centre is a good option on a rainy afternoon, when the beach is less appealing, and it is rarely crowded outside the film festival period in May. Photography policy varies by exhibition, so ask at the desk. A visit offers a calmer contrast to the busy promenade outside and gives visitors an insight into the artistic history of the Côte d'Azur beyond its glamour.