The modern facets of Mediterranean and European civilisations pique the Mucem’s curiosity and this year, the Marseille museum celebrates its 10th anniversary. More than 350,000 objects and a sizable collection of archival material make up its collections, which features artworks, documents, and objects. This incredible treasure trove is highlighted through an extensive programme of both temporary and permanent exhibitions.

Mediterranean culture has also had a significant influence on the life of renowned art dealer Yvon Lambert, whose legacy and reputation are synonymous with the rich cultural diversity of Provence (I had the chance to work on the short-lived London gallery when it opened on Hoxton Square). Since the beginning of Yvon Lambert’s gallery, the art dealer has also been a collector. Yvon Lambert had a deep affinity for the Mucem’s collections because he is a lover of unusual objects that bear witness to popular beliefs of all ages, particularly to Provençal culture.

The folk art pieces housed in the Mucem are the result of fieldwork conducted by ethnologists, social change observers, and others who value indigenous knowledge. These collections have an aesthetic value that is especially evident in the striking parallels with artistic creations. They are also priceless testimonies, records of our way of life and evolving traditions.

The exhibition “De Basquiat à Edith Piaf – Passions partagées – La Collection Lambert au Mucem” (From Basquiat to Edith Piaf – Shared Passions – The Lambert Collection at the Mucem) features an encounter between the Lambert Collection and the Mucem’s, but it goes far beyond a simple comparison of external collections. Highlights include works by Cy Twombly, Christian Boltanski, Kiki Smith anda a stunning Nathalie Du Pasquier installation.

Formal and poetic resonances between works of art and those from popular cultures weave sensitive strands in an organic way. It also invites visitors to the Mucem to experiment with coincidences and poetic associations infused with the charisma of both Mucem and Fondation Yvon Lambert, Avignon’s collections.