From February 25, 2026, Villa Medici in Rome will host a significant exhibition, “Agnès Varda. Here and There Between Paris and Rome,” celebrating the renowned French filmmaker and photographer, Agnès Varda. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to delve into Varda’s diverse photographic work, with a special focus on her Italian and Parisian periods.
Exhibition Details: What to Expect
The exhibition is divided into two main sections:
- “Agnès Varda’s Italy”: Curated by Carole Sandrin, this section showcases Varda’s exploration of Italy, particularly her 1950s photographs taken while scouting locations for her unproduced film, La Mélangite. Visitors will see her depictions of Venice, as well as portraits of cinematic figures like Luchino Visconti and behind-the-scenes glimpses of Jean-Luc Godard’s Contempt set at Cinecittà in 1963.
- “Agnès Varda’s Paris”: Coming from the Musée Carnavalet. Histoire de Paris, this part of the exhibition, curated by Anne de Mondenard, highlights Varda’s extensive work centered on Paris, a city that served as a constant muse throughout her 70-year career.
The exhibition also includes works by artists such as Giancarlo Botti, Calder, and JR, who were influenced by Varda’s distinctive style.
Key Information for Visitors
To make your visit as smooth as possible, here’s what you need to know:
- Exhibition Title: Agnès Varda. Here and There Between Paris and Rome
- Location: Villa Medici, Viale della Trinità dei Monti, 1, 00187 Rome, Italy
- Opening Date: February 25, 2026
- Closing Date: May 25, 2026
- Opening Hours: Please check the official Villa Medici website for the most up-to-date hours, as they may vary.
- Tickets: Information on ticket prices and booking will be available on the Villa Medici website. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak times.
Contact Information for Villa Medici:
- Website: www.villamedici.it (for detailed information on opening hours, tickets, and accessibility)
- Phone: Check the website for contact numbers.
A Glimpse into Varda’s Italian Journey
Carole Sandrin, responsible for the photographic collections of the Institut pour la photographie, explains that Varda first visited Venice in 1955. Her return in 1959 was driven by a film idea, leading her to capture “real people” through her lens-passengers on vaporettos, young people, children, women doing laundry, and even cats. This period offers a picturesque and poetic view of Italy at the end of the 1950s.
In 1963, already acclaimed for Cleo from 5 to 7, Varda returned to Italy, commissioned by Réalités magazine to photograph Luchino Visconti. She took over 80 photos, both in color and black and white. During this trip, she also visited her friend Jean-Luc Godard on the set of Contempt at Cinecittà, where she spontaneously photographed Brigitte Bardot, capturing candid moments during breaks. These proofs reveal her unique perspective on the actress and the filmmaking process.
Why Visit?
This exhibition is a precious opportunity to discover the diverse talents of Agnès Varda, who passed away on March 29, 2019, at the age of ninety. Often called the “grandmother of the Nouvelle Vague” because she started earlier than her male counterparts like Truffaut, Godard, Rivette, Chabrol, and Rohmer, Varda never stopped experimenting with various artistic forms and mediums throughout her career, which was recognized with a Golden Lion in 1985 for Vagabond, an honorary Palme d’Or, and an Honorary Oscar.
Plan Your Visit
To ensure a pleasant experience, visitors are encouraged to:
- Check for updates: Before visiting, check the official Villa Medici website for any changes to opening hours, ticket availability, or special event schedules.
- Accessibility: Information regarding accessibility for visitors with disabilities can be found on the Villa Medici website.
- Transportation: Villa Medici is centrally located in Rome and accessible by public transport. Consult local transport maps for the best routes.
This exhibition promises to be a captivating journey through the eyes of one of cinema and photography’s most innovative figures. Don’t miss this chance to experience Agnès Varda’s unique vision of Italy and Paris.
Source: roma.corriere.it
