Exhibition Details

Galerie Philia is proud to announce its summer exhibition taking place in two villas designed by Jean Nouvel and commissioned by Rivere Group on the luxurious Cote d’Azur.
Villa Maeterlinck in Nice and villa in St Jean Cap Ferrat, are perfectly integrated into the landscape and boast terrace gardens in front of wide private sea views on the Mediterranean. Tillandsias in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and Monsteras in Nice were planted by Jean Nouvel as an ode to their Aerian roots. This specific fauna is in complete harmony with the aesthetic of the influential architect whose innovative Aerian principle transforms buildings into dematerialized natural environments. Set in a mesmerizing atmosphere, between the breathtaking coast and the unassuming minimalism of Nouvel, Galerie Philia enhances this dialogue between the aesthetic of the architecture and its natural surroundings. The concept of Aerian roots is in the heart of the scenography of Galerie Philia as transcultural art and design works were selected for the plural and complex aesthetic and national identities they convey.
Completed in 2015 and placed right by the famous Maeterlinck Palace, Villa Maeterlinck is carved into the rock. Situated just by the waterfront, all of the rooms in the villa have a full view of the sea, with a living room spanning 40m2 without posts (cantilevered). Set in a grand plot of 8600 m2, the entire house is made to measure including the stainless steel ceilings, light fixtures, and inox surfaces along with a multitude of special details that make this a truly unique place. The space breaths at all times thanks to the sliding partitions that were built in a studied way to dissipate the boundary between interior and exterior in this house that opens to the sea, and the stainless steel ceiling of the house allows one to see the sea at all times.
A few minutes down the same coast lays Villa St. Jean Cap Ferrat, situated close to the famous villa Ephrussi of the Rothschild Family and was completed in 2021. The prowess of this work of architecture is achieving to build a house that cannot be seen from the outside; a house that disappears perfectly into the landscape. It is unique in creation with high-end materials such as stainless steel and rosewood. Covered by a steel framed glass roof, the house breathes with the permanent presence of flora, both indoor and outdoor plants. A structure stretched out into the land, the house boasts a view of the blue coast from all of its rooms.
Blending with the unique and entirely customized architecture of Jean Nouvel, Galerie Philia’s elegant collection of sculptural design and art dresses these villas in a new look and create stunning vistas, transforming them into living and breathing homes. The gardens and the interior of both villas are united by a harmonious scenography and become a reflection of the lightness of Nouvel’s aesthetic. The exhibition features unique pieces by Frederic Saulou, Andrés Monnier, Arno Declercq, Jojo Corväiá Rick Owens, Elsa Foulon, Jan Ernst and many more designers represented by Galerie Philia.
The hand-carved stone firepit of Andres Monnier creates a radiant atmosphere on the patio with ravishing views of plants as Gerard Kuijpers’ Dancing Stones moves with the breeze from the Mediterranean. Arno Declercq’s unique daybed accommodates a relaxing environment in the cosy living space and Jörg Pietschmann’s solid oak unique bench invites one to enjoy the monstera haven.