The commune of Essoyes has decided to build on the whole dynamism linked to the potential of « Renoir in Essoyes» in the form of a cultural and tourist project based on the key elements that "Renoir and his family" represent through « Renoir’s Studio » in particular.
These developments will not only mean the restructuring of Renoir’s Studio and the former chateau stables but also a general redefinition of the way visitors explore the village and the neighbouring area.
Opening end 2010 of « The artist P.A Renoir’s studio »
NEW EXHIBITION
The principal object is the wheelchair, symbol of Renoir’s courage and of his absolute devotion to painting. This is why in the form of a "mobile", suspended in the air, it hangs over the inscription written on the ground "Well doctor, I like painting better than walking".
Several themes will be tackled: his hand, his sculpture and his relationship with his model.
Upstairs, a place to fire the imagination, a place of immersion; a contemporary interpretation of the tempestuous force of his creative process, a type of torrent that carried Renoir away, in the words of those closest to him. It includes several authentic objects, key items in the tour.
Visitors enter the studio via a reception area and shop opening into a "garden walk", dedicated to the beautiful season that Renoir so liked to paint in his pictures of flowers.
Opening end 2010 : The Renoir’s Space »
A permanent exhibition room :
A vast and fluid space where visitors can move from one theme to another in the form of a circle. It features his wife Aline Victorine Charigot, his children Pierre, Jean and Claude, as well as Gabrielle, his model.
An auditorium:
A presentation on the theme "creation with the Renoirs" with frequent references to their life in Essoyes, the source of inspiration for a family of artists.
A temporary exhibition room :
This space will accommodate various exhibitions (paintings, sculptures, photographs...)
A new way of exploring the village
In addition to the enamel plates showing Renoir’s canvasses placed on easels in different places in the village, visitors will be helped in their tour by the installation of signs giving directions and explanations.
