Fondation Vasarely, Aix-en-Provence

The Fondation Vasarely is a museum focused on the work of Victor Vasarely, one of the main artists behind Op Art. It opened in 1976, with the artist closely involved in its design. His goal was to create a place where art could be accessible to everyone, not limited to private collections. The foundation reflects his idea that art can be part of daily life.

The building is made of 16 interconnected hexagonal units, reflecting Vasarely’s interest in geometry and his idea of a “plastic alphabet.” Inside, large artworks use simple shapes and strong color contrasts to create optical effects that seem to shift as you move. Many of these works are built directly into the structure, following his concept of “integration,” where art and architecture are combined.

After years of neglect and issues such as a leaking roof, the foundation has gone through a major restoration costing about €12 million, with most of the funding coming from public sources. The collection includes around 42 to 44 large-scale works, and as of 2026, about half have been restored to their original colors, with more work still in progress. Today, the foundation presents these monumental pieces along with temporary exhibitions and cultural activities, allowing visitors to explore how light, color, and form interact across the space.