🎭 Avignon 2025: A Cultural Year Between History and Contemporary Dreams
A vibrant cultural celebration in the heart of Provence
Looking for an excuse to (re)discover Avignon this year? Look no further. In 2025, the city has been named “Terre de Culture”, and it’s turning every corner, courtyard, and cloister into a celebration of the arts. From January to December, exhibitions, performances, installations, and poetic walks are breathing new life into Avignon’s streets and historic landmarks. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or just curious by nature, there’s something here for you.
Othoniel at the Palais des Papes: when glass meets Gothic
One of the year’s major highlights is the arrival of Jean-Michel Othoniel at the iconic Palais des Papes. Known for his luminous glass bead sculptures, Othoniel transforms the medieval halls of the palace into a dreamlike journey through form, light, and reflection. His work opens up a surprising dialogue between the weight of history and the poetry of the present.
Fondation Blachère: Africa returns to Avignon
Back in 2016, the Fondation Blachère made waves by exhibiting its collection of contemporary African sculpture across several of Avignon’s museums. It was a bold, foundational move — opening a conversation between the city and Africa’s vibrant art scenes. That conversation continues in 2025, with the foundation returning to Avignon, this time at the Église des Cordeliers, a stunning former church. Two standout pieces will be on display: “Rusty World” by Fally Sene Sow and “Chimère” by Oumar Ball — both powerful, poetic reflections of our times.
A city-wide open-air museum
What makes this year so unique is how art spills out into every part of the city. Not just the museums and cloisters, but also the squares, the walls, the parks, and the alleys. You might stumble upon a giant sculpture between two trees, a spontaneous poetry reading, or a light projection at dusk. In Avignon, art isn’t something you just observe — it’s something you live.
All aboard: the train to culture
Avignon is easily accessible by train from across Europe: 2h40 from Paris, 3h20 from Brussels, 5h30 from Geneva, and around 6h from Milan. Once you arrive at the central station, everything is within walking or biking distance. It’s the perfect destination for a stress-free, car-free, low-impact escape — with a big cultural payoff.