The ‘Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain’ is an initiative of Alain Dominique Perrin, former President of Cartier International, and, as he likes to emphasize, also based on many discussions on artists needs with the French sculptor César. In 1984 the foundation opened in Jouy-en-Josas as a place for ‘artists in residence’ and exhibitions. It was one of the first philanthropic corporate initiatives in France.
Even though the Art Foundation does not have any ties or obligations to its mother company Cartier SA, it can not be denied that it positively influences how people look at the brand.

In 1994, the foundation moved into the prominent glass building at the Avenue Raspail, designed by architect Jean Nouvel, where it organizes exhibitions based on either individual artists or themes and gives commissions to artists. Both result in enriching their collection, which contains over 1000 works by 300 artists. Find out more here…