Grasse celebrates Jean-Luc Desset with “Pop Urbain”: the city becomes an open-air museum until 31 August 2026

The city of Grasse hosts until 31 August 2026 the major open-air exhibition “Jean-Luc Desset – Pop Urbain”, a project that turns the urban landscape into a vast artistic trail dedicated to the universe of Jean-Luc Desset.

The initiative pays tribute to the artist, who passed away in 2021, through an immersive experience combining contemporary art, urban regeneration, and cultural participation.

An artistic journey through the heart of Grasse

The exhibition unfolds between the Cours Honoré-Cresp and Place du Clavecin, featuring 26 monumental artworks from the artist’s most iconic series, including JL POP, Chocolate Freaks, and Curiosités.

These works, defined by vibrant colors and imaginative figures, create a visual itinerary that transforms the historic center into a free-access open-air museum.

JL Pop Store: immersive art inside a historic building

Alongside the urban trail, the former headquarters of the Société Marseillaise de Crédit has been transformed into the JL Pop Store, a 260 m² immersive and evolving exhibition space.

Inside, visitors can discover:

• original works from the JL POP, Chocolate Freaks, and Curiosités series
• limited edition prints and certified art editions
• numbered sculptures and collectible pieces
• a unique collaboration with artist Nicolas Bianco
• the JL POP monograph dedicated to the artist’s work

The former vault room has also been opened and repurposed as an artistic space.

Event calendar – Summer 2026

Throughout the exhibition period until 31 August 2026, a rich cultural program accompanies the installation.

Opening event

• 12 June 2026 – 7:00 PM
  Official vernissage at the JL Pop Store (open to the public)

Regular programming

JL Pop Store opening hours

• Daily: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Thursdays: late-night openings with special programming

Recurring summer events

• Live painting & artistic performances
  Live interventions by contemporary and urban artists
• Pop art tattoo sessions
  Tattoo experiences inspired by the exhibition universe
• DJ sets & live music
  Evening musical programming with guest artists and selectors
• Art & gastronomy dinner events
  Immersive culinary experiences by reservation
• Literary readings & talks
  Dedicated space for emerging authors and contemporary storytelling

A project between public art and urban regeneration

Supported by the city and the Fonds Baudelaire, the exhibition reflects a broader vision of making art accessible in public spaces and revitalizing unused urban sites.

The universe of Jean-Luc Desset

Jean-Luc Desset developed a highly recognizable visual language influenced by international pop art, kawaii culture, and contemporary visual culture.

His work is characterized by:

• recurring symbolic characters
• stylized self-portraits
• intense chromatic compositions
• a balance between playful imagery and social commentary

A living tribute transforming the city into an experience

“Pop Urbain” is more than an exhibition: it is a cultural device that redefines the relationship between art and public space.

Until 31 August 2026, Grasse becomes a continuous artistic experience where the city itself turns into a living artwork in dialogue with Jean-Luc Desset’s imagination.