Cannes Beyond the Red Carpet: Five Exhibitions Exploring History, Myth and Contemporary Art

Known worldwide for the iconic Festival de Cannes, the city of Cannes also reveals a rich cultural side beyond cinema. During the winter and spring months, the French Riviera destination hosts a series of exhibitions that invite visitors to explore its museums and contemporary art spaces.

Five exhibitions, hosted in the city’s main cultural venues, highlight different themes: the historic bond with the Mediterranean Sea, the natural forces that have shaped human history, the symbolic power of female mythological figures and the expressive languages of contemporary art.

The maritime origins of Cannes

The journey can begin at the Musée du Masque de fer et du Fort Royal, located on Île Sainte-Marguerite in the Îles de Lérins archipelago. Until April 26, the exhibition “Aux origines de Cannes – Pêche et autres trésors de la mer” explores the centuries-old relationship between the city and the Mediterranean.

Through archaeological artefacts, fishing tools and testimonies from fishermen’s daily lives, the exhibition reveals how the sea shaped the development of the local community. The museum itself is housed in the historic fort that, according to legend, once held the mysterious prisoner known as the Man in the Iron Mask.

When nature changes history

A completely different theme is explored in “Quand le ciel nous tombe sur la tête!”, on view until June 5 at the Espace Calmette.

The exhibition examines major natural events that have influenced the course of human history, from violent storms to meteor impacts. Through scientific materials, installations and multimedia displays, the exhibition encourages visitors to reflect on how past natural disasters can help us better understand today’s environmental and climate challenges.

Female myths between life and death

At the Musée des explorations du monde, visitors can discover “Démones et déesses : de la vie à la mort”, open until May 24. The exhibition explores the role of female figures in mythologies and cultures across the world.

Goddesses, spirits and demons are presented through ritual objects, artworks and anthropological artefacts, creating a dialogue between symbolism, religion and cultural traditions. The exhibition highlights how female figures have long embodied power, transformation and the passage between life and death.

Contemporary art and imagination

The cultural itinerary continues with two exhibitions dedicated to contemporary art.

At Le Suquet des Artistes, until June 14, French artist Gilles Miquelis presents “Des mondes flottants”, a project combining painting and drawing to create dreamlike visual universes. His works evoke poetic landscapes and imaginary worlds, inviting visitors to explore symbolic and introspective dimensions.

Color, rhythm and improvisation

Another contemporary exhibition can be seen at the Centre d’art contemporain La Malmaison, where “Jam Session” by Carole Benzaken runs until June 21.

Her canvases, marked by vibrant colors and energetic gestures, engage in a dialogue with music and improvisation. The result is a dynamic visual language in which painting seems to follow the rhythm of a jazz jam session.

A cultural destination all year round

These exhibitions show that Cannes is not only a global stage during the famous Festival de Cannes, but also a vibrant cultural destination throughout the year.

Between historic museums, international collections and contemporary art spaces, the city offers visitors a journey that connects local history, global cultures and modern artistic expression, revealing another fascinating dimension of Cannes.