Collection Lambert

The Collection Lambert in Avignon is a truly unique contemporary art museum, serving as the brainchild of the visionary gallerist and dedicated art collector Yvon Lambert. He generously donated to the French State an exceptional collection of major works that showcase the creative evolution from the second half of the 20th century all the way into the early 21st century. Hosted across a pair of magnificent and historically rich 18th-century mansions located in the vibrant centre of Avignon, the Collection Lambert not only regularly runs ambitious exhibitions but also puts on a varied and dynamic cultural and educational program. This program receives support from the State, the City of Avignon, as well as from regional and departmental authorities, and generous private benefactors who believe in the importance of art and culture.

The Collection Lambert was officially created in the year 2000. At that time, Yvon Lambert’s remarkable works were on deposit, and the Collection occupied solely the Hôtel de Caumont. However, the donation of more than 550 esteemed works was made official in the year 2012, signifying a major milestone in the museum's journey. Then, in 2015, the museum underwent significant expansion of its exhibition space, which grew to nearly 5,000 square meters, thanks to a thoughtful design by architects Cyrille and Laurent Berger. This expansion encompassed not only the adjoining Hôtel de Montfaucon but also included the addition of a state-of-the-art auditorium, further enhancing the museum’s ability to serve the public.

The artists represented in the vast collection are many and varied, possessing ensembles that are in numerous cases unmatched by other French collections. The roster of renowned artists includes notable names such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Miquel Barceló, Sol LeWitt, Robert Ryman, Lawrence Weiner, Nan Goldin, Andres Serrano, Christian Boltanski, Daniel Buren, Douglas Gordon, Cy Twombly, Niele Toroni, Bertrand Lavier, Claire Fontaine, Miroslaw Balka, Adel Abdessemed, and Francesco Vezzoli. Each of these artists brings a unique perspective and creativity that enriches the collection, making it a vital part of the contemporary art landscape. An exhibition made up of a rotating cast of works from the permanent stock runs on a continual basis in the Hôtel de Caumont. This exhibition has a specific focus on highlighting certain movements or artists that are especially well represented in the Collection, ensuring that visitors can regularly experience fresh and stimulating content. Alongside this, temporary exhibitions are thoughtfully held twice per year in the Hôtel de Montfaucon, adding to the dynamic nature of the museum and its offerings. Visitors can expect to be continually surprised and engaged with new exhibitions that bring both established and emerging artistic voices to the forefront.