Melle International Biennial of Contemporary Art
International Contemporary Art Biennale within the Romanesque heritage of Melle, Deux-Sèvres
2026
About Melle International Biennial of Contemporary Art
Every two years, the Melle International Contemporary Art Biennale brings together French and international artists to showcase their work within the town's heritage buildings and public spaces, including its Romanesque church, Protestant temple, the Hôtel de Ménoc, the wash house, and the arboretum. Launched in 2003 with the exhibition "L'Art d'être au monde" (The Art of Being in the World), the event draws upon Melle's three Romanesque churches and its long-standing artisanal history to place contemporary works within a historic setting.
Each edition is curated by a different guest, who selects a unique theme and around fifty artists. This free event is organized by the town of Melle in partnership with the Pays Mellois Tourist Office.
Melle International Biennial of Contemporary Art — edition 2026
The 11th edition, titled "Bruissements patients" (Patient Rustlings), is curated by visual artist Jan Kopp. From June 27 to September 27, 2026, 53 artists from France and abroad will transform Melle's Romanesque churches, the local temple, and public spaces, focusing on themes of water and climate change. Around ten original works have been commissioned specifically for this event.
Programme Melle International Biennial of Contemporary Art 2026
From June 27 to September 27, 2026
The 11th edition, "Bruissements patients," is curated by visual artist Jan Kopp. It brings together 53 artists from countries including Algeria, Iran, Lebanon, Brazil, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Belgium, featuring names such as François Dufeil, Bertille Bak, Marie Reinert, Laurie Dall'Ava, Théophile Peris, Jeremy Deller, Christian Boltanski, and the collective Suspended Spaces. About ten original pieces have been created for the occasion.
The works explore the themes of water and climate change in a rural setting, the concept of slowness in the face of urgency, and the symbolism of circles and spirals.
- Hôtel de Ménoc
- Église Saint-Savinien
- Église Saint-Pierre
- Église Saint-Hilaire
- Temple protestant
- Médiathèque
- Lavoir de Villiers
- Serre de l'esplanade Goirand
- Salle Jeanne d'Arc
- Rue de la Traverse
- Cinéma le Méliès
- Prairie du parc de la Maladrerie
Opening hours: June to August, Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am–1 pm and 2 pm–7 pm; in September, Friday to Sunday, 11 am–1 pm and 2 pm–7 pm. Admission is free at all sites.
The biennial concludes on Sunday, September 27, with the collective performance "Chœur de Bruissants" at 6 pm in the Église Saint-Hilaire, followed by an illustrated lecture at 7:30 pm at the Hôtel de Ménoc.
Prices Melle International Biennial of Contemporary Art 2026
Where does it take place — Melle International Biennial of Contemporary Art
Melle International Biennial of Contemporary Art in brief
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