Editor’s Picks: what not to miss at Le French May 2017

France. The home of Coco Chanel, Claude Monet, Henri Cartier-Bresson and the Rococo art movement. A veritable treasure trove of creative culture – which, for the last 25 years, has been showcased in Hong Kong at Le French May.

To commemorate its silver jubilee, this year’s programme is dedicated to France’s rich history of art and design. Expect a specially curated collection directly from the Louvre, rare pieces from Louis Vuitton’s archive, and beautiful photography of the romantic boulevards of Paris. Here are our must-see events among the festival’s impressive line up.

See more: The best educational arts programmes in Hong Kong

Editor’s Picks: what not to miss at Le French May 2017

Inventing le Louvre: From Palace to Museum

The headlining exhibition is a rare showcase of national masterpieces from the grand dame of museums - the Musée du Louvre. Seeking to exemplify the diversity of the museum’s collection, the exhibition features a selection of 126 works from various departments and time periods. Highlights include the painting Saint Sebastian Bound for Martyrdom by Anthony van Dyck, shown outside of France for the first time; a statue of Jean de la Fontaine by famed sculptor Pierre Julien; and a fragment of a horse head statue from 500 BCE.

April 26-July 24, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Rd, Sha Tin

An inspiring tour of 20th century French interior design

Hong Kong interior design school Insight School explores the history and influence of 20th century French interior design in this one-off course. Through looking at specific elements of French decor and design objects, interior designer and art historian Eve Mercier will analyse how they continue to influence our lives and the world of interior design today. One lucky participant will also win a one day course at The Insight School valued at $2,600.

3-5pm, May 27, Insight School of Interior Design, 24/F, Federal Centre, 77 Sheung On St, Chai Wan. RSVP via info@insightschoolhk.com

French Cinema Programme: Celebration of the Arts

Le French May’s two-week cinema program is an ode to the arts and its French masters. The selection of 10 films includes biopics like Cezanne and I, Renoir, Seraphine and Van Gogh, giving audiences a glimpse into these great painters’ private lives while also paying tribute to lesser known artists. The films feature some of the greatest figures in French Cinema, including Gérard Depardieu, Isabelle Huppert, Gérard Philippe and Anouk Aimé.

May 15-30, Broadway Cinematheque, Prosperous Garden, 3 Public Square St, Yau Ma Tei

Between Exchanges of Architectural Narratives

Founded by French and UK design duo Lorène Faure and Kenny Kinugasa-Tsui, Bean Buro is an up and coming architectural practice in Hong Kong that combines French flair with Asian inspiration. In this exhibition, Bean Buro presents paintings, drawings and models that showcase their understanding that space is a social and cultural affair, telling the story behind both the projects and the people who interact with them.

June 8-12, Ethos, 97 Hill Rd, Sai Wan. RSVP via info@beanburo.com

Paris Dark Light by Michel Setboun

Mysterious and poetic, Paris Lumière Noire (Paris Dark Light) is photographer Michel Setboun’s love letter to Paris. Playing with illumination and shadows, he takes the viewer on an intimate trip to the City of Lights and glamourises the capital through the shroud of his lenses. You’ll see familiar arrondissements in a completely different light.

May 6-24, Atrium I and Corridor, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui

A Golden Way of Life: Très’Ors

People have always been fascinated by gold, and A Golden Way of Life: Très’Ors is a celebration of the glimmering, seductive precious metal that has inspired countless artists and craftsmen throughout history. Curated by Anne Camilli, founder of Le Musée à la Carte, the exhibition is a selection of over 150 gold pieces from public and private collections, including a curious mix of religious pieces, antique furniture, Boucheron jewels, and a specially commissioned portrait by artist–illustrator Hélène Tran.

Until September 3, MGM Art Space, MGM Macau, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, Nape, Macau

Paris, Touts Emois: The Roofs of Paris

The perfectly preserved beauty of Parisian architecture has captivated imaginations for centuries. This exhibition invites us to explore the city's often overlooked element - its roofs. Panoramic views of Paris give us a new perspective of the city and renewed appreciation for its history and character. Charting Paris’s development within the cultural consciousness from medieval times to the 19th century, the exhibition presents a variety of pieces, from oil paintings and prints to architectural models and multimedia installations.

May 25-July 23. City University of Hong Kong - Exhibition Gallery, 18/F, Lau Ming Wai Academic Bldg, Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon Tong

Louis Vuitton Time Capsule

The French luxury fashion house has picked Hong Kong as the first stop on its traveling Time Capsule exhibition, which looks back at innovations in technology and design throughout its history as well as traditional leatherwork techniques by French artisans. Beginning in 1854 and continuing to the present day, the maison’s story is told through rare objects from the Louis Vuitton archive.

April 22-May 14, Statue Square Gardens, Chater Rd, Central

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