Contemporary Art Exhibition - Abbaye d'Auberive
Contemporary art at the heart of a Cistercian abbey in Haute-Marne
About Contemporary Art Auberive
The contemporary art center of the Abbaye d'Auberive presents each summer, from June to the end of September, a thematic exhibition in a Cistercian abbey founded in 1135. Created in 2006 by Jean-Claude Volot, it houses one of the most important private collections of figurative expressionism and singular art in France. Each season, an exhibition dialogues the Volot collection with invited artists, in the heart of the Parc national de forêts in Haute-Marne.
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An exceptional contemporary art center in a Cistercian abbey
Nestled in the Aube valley, in the heart of the Parc national de forêts, the Abbaye d'Auberive is a heritage jewel founded in 1135 by Saint Bernard, abbot of Clairvaux. After eight centuries of turbulent history marked by the Hundred Years' War, the Wars of Religion, and the Revolution, the abbey was reborn in the 21st century thanks to the vision of collector and entrepreneur Jean-Claude Volot, who established an ambitious contemporary art center in the west wing of the monastery starting in 2006.
The Volot Collection: a major artistic heritage
The art center houses one of the most important private collections of figurative expressionism and singular art in France. The Volot Collection brings together major works by Paul Rebeyrolle, Jean Rustin, Lydie Arickx, Karel Appel, Alfred Gillet, and Stani Nitkowski, as well as a remarkable collection of art brut and outsider art, from Fred Deux to Pierre Bettencourt. This constantly evolving collection reflects a powerful artistic sensibility focused on expressing the deepest human emotions.
Reference thematic summer exhibitions
Each year, from June to the end of September, the art center conceives a four-month thematic exhibition that highlights a major artist or artistic movement, accompanied by a selection of works from the permanent collection. In 2025, the exhibition Anima(ex)Musica presented the utopian and sonic bestiary of the collective Tout reste à faire (Mathieu Desailly, Vincent Gadras, David Chalmin), whose animated creatures are made from discarded musical instruments, in dialogue with a selection of works from the Volot collection on the ground floor.
A multidisciplinary cultural hub
Beyond contemporary art exhibitions, the Abbaye d'Auberive is a cultural hub that hosts classical and world music concerts, theater performances, conferences, readings, and artist residencies throughout the season. The association Abbaye, Bâtir et Innover (A.B.I.) animates this unique place in partnership with the Parc national de forêts, the Grand Est Region, and the Department of Haute-Marne.
An exceptional heritage setting
The visit to the art center is inseparable from the discovery of the abbey's architectural heritage: cloister, conventual rooms, gardens, and wooded park. The Abbaye d'Auberive is classified as a Historic Monument and is one of the major sites of Cistercian heritage in Champagne. Visitors can combine the discovery of contemporary art with a guided historical tour of the abbey complex, for a complete cultural experience blending eight centuries of history and contemporary artistic creation.
Contemporary Art Auberive — edition 2026
New summer exhibition 2026 at the contemporary art center of the Abbaye d'Auberive. From June to the end of September, the center will present a thematic exhibition dialoguing invited artists and works from the Volot collection in the exceptional setting of the Cistercian abbey.
Summer Season 2026
The contemporary art center of the Abbaye d'Auberive will open its new summer season from June to the end of September 2026. True to its tradition, the center will offer a thematic exhibition highlighting one or more major artists in dialogue with a selection of works from the Volot Collection.
The full program will be announced in spring 2026 on the abbey's official website. Cultural events (concerts, conferences, artist residencies) will punctuate the summer season.
Prices Contemporary Art Auberive 2026
Practical information — Contemporary Art Auberive
Access
The Abbaye d'Auberive is located at 1 Place de l'Abbaye, 52160 Auberive, in the Haute-Marne department, in the heart of the Parc national de forêts.
- By car from Paris (approx. 3h): Take the A5 motorway towards Langres, then take the exit for the D428 towards Auberive. From Dijon (approx. 1h15), take the A31 towards Langres then the D974 and the D428. Free parking is available in the immediate vicinity of the abbey.
- By car from Troyes (approx. 1h30): Take the D960 then the D428 towards Auberive through the forest.
- By train: Langres TGV station (45 km away) or Chaumont station (60 km away), then transfer by car or taxi. There is no direct public transport to the village of Auberive.
Art center opening hours
The contemporary art center is open during the summer season, from June to the end of September:
- Tuesday: 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM
- Closed on Mondays
Outside the summer season, historical tours of the abbey are offered all year round, Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM, by prior appointment by contacting the abbey by phone or email.
Prices
- Full price (abbey visit + contemporary art center): €10
- Reduced price (students, job seekers, under 18s, people with disabilities, upon presentation of proof): €5
- Free for children under 12 years old
- Group guided tour: by reservation, price to be agreed according to group size
Contact and reservations
Phone: 03 25 84 20 20
Email: [email protected]
Website: abbaye-auberive.com
Facebook: Abbaye d'Auberive
Instagram: @abbaye_auberive
On-site services and amenities
A bookstore-boutique is located in the abbey, offering exhibition catalogs, contemporary art books, artist monographs, and merchandise related to current exhibitions. The Auberge Abbatiale, located in the immediate vicinity of the abbey, offers quality dining and accommodation to extend your visit. The site is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility; it is advisable to contact the abbey in advance for detailed accessibility conditions.
Nearby
Auberive is located in the heart of the Parc national de forêts, offering numerous opportunities for hiking and discovering the surrounding nature. The fortified town of Langres, a city of art and history and the birthplace of Diderot, is 45 km away and worth a complementary visit. The Lake Vingeanne and the sources of the Marne and Aube rivers are also accessible nearby for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Contemporary Art Auberive at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Contemporary Art Auberive
Abbaye d'Auberive - Centre d'Art Contemporain
1 Place de l'Abbaye, 52160 Auberive, 52160 Auberive