FIVE THEMATIC UNIVERSES
Anchored in the city's territory, the Franciscaines are committed to its cultural heritage. Quite naturally, five dominant themes have been chosen to structure the visitor's journey through the galleries above the cloister and the temporary exhibition courtyard. They are all linked to the city's cultural identity. These themes unfold in "universes". In these galleries, with their enveloping decor, runs a long library whose loops house spaces for reading, co-working, projection, listening and exchange. Each theme - five in all - has its own universe, expressed in the space through specific color schemes and scenographic features.
In four of these Universes (Deauville, Art de vivre, Cheval, Spectacle-Cinéma), works from the Franciscan collections are presented, according to a theme proposed each year. Portraits by Moïse Kisling, Robert Doisneau, Marie Laurencin and André Lhote. A total of 70 works to illustrate the evolution of the genre and its appropriation by different artistic milieus.
UNIVERSAL HORSE
Deauville is the kingdom of the horse. With its two racecourses, its training center, its yearling auction house and its Pôle International du Cheval Longines-Deauville dedicated to equestrian sports, it is to be found in every corner of the town. At Les Franciscaines, horse lovers, the curious and the novice alike can discover or deepen their understanding of horse culture. An incredible collection, recognized and accredited by the Bibliothèque nationale de France, is now at your fingertips. Whether they come to leaf through books and magazines, to immerse themselves in pedigrees or treatises on hippology, they can enjoy a cosy atmosphere where the leather adorning the furniture recalls the magic of the stables, amidst masterpieces of equestrian art and an evocation of the horse at liberty.
THE WORLD OF DEAUVILLE
A legendary seaside resort, Deauville owes its worldwide reputation to the beauty of its site, its beach and its architecture, as well as to the rituals of its social life since the 19th century. Deauville's heritage, embodied by its grand hotels, villas, casino, public buildings, Planches, swimming pool and racecourses, also has an intangible dimension. Here, you can consult the town's rich collection of memorabilia. The Deauville of artists is displayed on the walls. Captured snapshots, sketched moments, laid down on canvas, resonate in visitors' memories long after they've hit the road again.
ENTERTAINMENT WORLD
This universe celebrates artistic creation in all its forms. Dancers, musicians, singers, film-makers, actors, photographers, painters and writers have always come to Deauville to exchange ideas, draw inspiration and create. The works displayed in the space evoke these intimate links between artists and the area. The works in the collection evoke this creative spirit, always in action, spontaneous or staged. They illustrate what artists see, but also what people come to see, whether in performance, for a festival or for a fashion shoot. Along the way, visitors can take a seat in an alcove that has been converted into a private projection room. Among the thousands of DVDs in the media library, the teams have catalogued over 160 films shot in Deauville and the surrounding area.
ART OF LIVING WORLD
Deauville is a great place to live. Its exceptional location, sports facilities, boutiques, hotels and restaurants explain its power of attraction. There's something for everyone: a stroll along the boardwalk, horse racing, polo matches, golf and tennis tournaments, regattas, shows and gala evenings. At Deauville, everyone can compose the menu for their stay. Wellness, relaxation and elegance are also part of a cultural heritage. It's what Deauville is all about. In the spirit of relaxation, deckchairs invite visitors to take their time, soak up the Deauville spirit and enjoy a cultural cure that's both restful and energizing.
YOUTH UNIVERSE
Deauville understands the importance of youth. The values of transmission and support for young audiences are at the heart of its cultural policy. These values define the Univers Jeunesse. Culture and creativity are the cornerstones of a space that supports emancipation. At Les Franciscaines, we learn by creating, by making, by exchanging and by making our own choices. Access to books is facilitated by clear identification of themes through iconographic codes. These same codes make it easy to decipher the audience for which the books are intended. Here you can read, learn and play, drawing on the vast resources of the toy library.
