22/10/2026
Mougins: An Open-Air Sculpture Exhibition on the French Riviera
Mougins is a beautiful medieval village in the south of France, on the French Riviera, just a short drive from Cannes. Famous for its narrow cobbled streets, charming stone houses, art galleries and excellent restaurants, it has long attracted artists and art lovers. Pablo Picasso also had a strong connection with the area, spending the final years of his life nearby.
One of the village’s cultural highlights is Mougins Monumental, an annual open-air sculpture exhibition that transforms the historic streets, little squares and gardens into an outdoor art gallery.
In 2026, the exhibition features British sculptor Beth Carter, whose collection is entitled Myth, Melancholy, Magic. Around 30 bronze sculptures are displayed throughout the village, inviting visitors to discover art while wandering through its picturesque streets. The exhibition runs from 7 February to 1 November 2026 and is free to visit.
Beth Carter’s Beth Carter work explores the relationship between humans and animals, often blending the two into mysterious, dreamlike figures. Her sculptures draw inspiration from mythology, particularly the Minotaur, a mythical creature that also featured prominently in Picasso’s artistic imagination.
One particularly moving sculpture is Solace, which depicts a defeated Minotaur sitting hunched over, with a piece of cloth draped across its back. Despite its powerful, mythical appearance, the figure seems vulnerable, exhausted and deeply human. It invites us to reflect on loneliness, sadness, resilience and the need for comfort.
What makes the exhibition special is the way the sculptures interact with their surroundings. Rather than being confined to a traditional museum, they appear unexpectedly among ancient stone walls and quiet village squares, creating a fascinating contrast between contemporary art and medieval architecture.
Mougins is therefore much more than a pretty Provençal village. It is a place where history, gastronomy and contemporary art come together, making even an ordinary walk through its streets feel like a cultural adventure!
