Exhibition "Séraphine de Senlis" Centre Pompidou-Metz from October 31, 2026, to April 12, 2027

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This major retrospective reveals the visionary power of Séraphine de Senlis. Flowers, trees, and fruits painted with handmade pigments create an organic and spiritual work. Between mystical fervor, imaginary botany, and chromatic intensity, her extraordinary art captures a realm beyond the tangible world.

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Exhibition

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Major retrospective dedicated to a visionary and extraordinary artist
Rare works with intense colors and unique spiritual strength
Revelation of her secret technique and handmade pigments
Immersion in an imaginary botany between nature and mysticism
Contemplative scenography in Gallery 2 of Centre Pompidou-Metz
A timeless sensory and emotional experience

Centre Pompidou-Metz from October 31, 2026, to April 12, 2027

€14

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What to expect

From October 31, 2026, to April 12, 2027, the Centre Pompidou-Metz presents a major exhibition dedicated to Séraphine de Senlis, a singular and deeply inspiring figure in art history. Displayed in Gallery 2, this international-scale retrospective invites the public to discover rare, powerful, and intensely inhabited works, where painting becomes both a space of inner revelation and a vibrant homage to the living world.

Séraphine de Senlis – A pictorial immersion between nature, devotion, and vision

An extraordinary artist ahead of her time

Séraphine Louis, known as Séraphine de Senlis, occupies a unique place in 20th-century art history. A self-taught artist, long on the margins of official circuits, she developed a singular pictorial language, nourished by an intimate relationship with nature and a profound spirituality. Her works, populated with flowers, fruits, trees, and transfigured plant forms, go beyond mere representation of reality: they intensify it and elevate it to an almost mystical dimension.
This exhibition offers a renewed perspective on the artist, highlighting how her concerns — connection to life, materiality, care, and devotion — resonate today with essential contemporary questions.

An exceptional and immersive retrospective

For the first time on this scale, a remarkable collection of Séraphine’s paintings has been brought together, allowing visitors to trace the evolution of her work over several decades. The route highlights the progressive transformation of her compositions: initially airy and almost fragile, they gain density, rhythm, and power, eventually reaching an almost hypnotic abundance.
Thorny foliage, luminous corollas, repeated forms, and vibrant colors seem animated by an inner energy. The gaze is drawn in a circular motion, giving each canvas a striking physical and emotional presence. The visit thus becomes a true sensory experience.

A secret technique revealed

The exhibition also sheds light on a long-overlooked aspect of Séraphine’s work: her empirical mastery of materials. Recent studies have revealed the complexity of her mixtures, combining industrial paints, organic pigments, oils, and varnishes. This personal alchemy gives her works a unique shine and extraordinary chromatic intensity.
Far from simple naïve spontaneity, her painting reflects a skill built through observation, experimentation, and a pragmatic relationship with her environment. This material dimension, inseparable from her spiritual quest, gives her canvases an almost incantatory force, as if each painted surface were inhabited.

A life shaped by faith and isolation

Born in 1864 into a modest background and orphaned at a young age, Séraphine led a discreet life, working as a domestic servant and spending long years in a religious setting. Her intense faith profoundly imbues her work, where nature becomes a place of sacred revelation.
Discovered in 1912 by collector Wilhelm Uhde, she experienced a moment of recognition before historical and personal upheavals plunged her back into obscurity. Despite a difficult life and an ending marked by institutionalization, her work has continued to captivate museums and art historians, establishing itself as one of the most fascinating pictorial expressions of the 20th century.

An ideal setting for an exceptional body of work

Presented at the Centre Pompidou-Metz, the exhibition benefits from a contemporary architectural setting that perfectly showcases the visual power of her works. Gallery 2 offers a space conducive to contemplation, allowing visitors to take time to observe the details, textures, and color vibrations unique to each canvas.
The scenography is designed to guide the gaze, create breathing spaces, and facilitate a progressive immersion into the artist’s singular universe.

Opening hours, access, and visiting tips

The exhibition is open from October 31, 2026, to April 12, 2027. Opening hours follow those of the museum, with quieter periods on weekdays and early in the day. For a comfortable visit, it is recommended to allow at least 1h30 to fully enjoy the route and the works on display.

Opening Hours

Summer (April 1 – October 31):
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Winter (November 1 – March 31):
- Monday to Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tuesday Weekly Closure

Why book your tickets in advance?

This retrospective promises to be one of the season’s major cultural events. The international reputation of the exhibition, the rarity of the works gathered, and the growing public interest in singular and visionary artists suggest high attendance.
Booking in advance ensures access, avoids waiting, and allows you to plan your visit calmly, especially during school holidays or weekends. It is also the guarantee of experiencing the exhibition under optimal conditions, without availability constraints.

Practical information and admission fees

Location: Centre Pompidou-Metz – Gallery 2
Dates: October 31, 2026 – April 12, 2027
Audience: Open to all

Admission Fees:

Full price: €14
Under 26 years: free (ID required)

Between spiritual intensity, botanical fascination, and pictorial audacity, the exhibition Séraphine de Senlis offers an unforgettable encounter with a visionary artist. Booking your ticket allows you to immerse yourself in a timeless experience, at the heart of a body of work that continues to resonate and move viewers far beyond the gaze.

Schedule

From January 21st 2026 to March 31st 2026

Available every day except on Tuesday
Schedule: 10:00 am

Duration: 8:00

From April 01st 2026 to October 31st 2026

Available every day except on Tuesday
Schedule: 10:00 am (duration: 9:00)

Group Offer – An artistic experience to share

Are you organizing an event for a group of more than 10 people?

Offer your group a unique immersion into the visionary universe of Séraphine de Senlis at the Centre Pompidou-Metz. An inspiring visit, ideal for cultural, school, or association outings, to be experienced together in an exceptional setting.
Fill out the group form to organize your visit.

Feel free to contact us at +33 1 48 74 05 10 for any requests.

Common questions

What is the exhibition Séraphine de Senlis about?

This exhibition presents a major retrospective dedicated to Séraphine de Senlis, highlighting her paintings inspired by nature, spirituality, and an imaginary botany, created using unique techniques and pigments.

Where is the exhibition taking place?

The exhibition is held in Gallery 2 of the Centre Pompidou-Metz, a major space devoted to modern and contemporary art.

What are the dates of the exhibition?

The exhibition is on view from October 31, 2026, to April 12, 2027.

Why is this exhibition exceptional?

This is the first true international retrospective dedicated to the artist, bringing together a rare collection of paintings and drawing on recent research, particularly regarding her techniques and pigments.

Is the exhibition accessible to all audiences?

Yes, the exhibition is open to all audiences, from art lovers to visitors curious to discover an extraordinary artistic figure.

Why is it recommended to book tickets in advance?

The artist’s renown and the unique nature of this retrospective attract a large audience. Booking in advance ensures access and allows you to visit the exhibition under the best possible conditions.