Matisse and Marguerite, the exhibition at the Musée d'Art Moderne unveiled

Just a stone's throw from the Palais de Tokyo, the Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris is devoting an unprecedented exhibition to Henri Matisse (1869-1954), taking us into the intimacy of both his studio and his heart. Bringing together rare drawings, paintings, sculptures, ceramics and prints, the exhibition highlights the central role played by Marguerite Duthuit-Matisse (1894-1982), the painter's eldest daughter, in his life and work. Although she remained in the shadows of the general public, Marguerite was his most faithful model, the only one to live through the entire evolution of his work.

Discover this woman through her father's eyes, her life in the artist's shadow. From her difficult childhood with health problems to her role as spokeswoman, transforming her into the eye and voice of her father in Paris.

The MAM exhibition retraces the milestones of this father-daughter collaboration in chronological order. Marguerite, a constant and inspiring muse, is at the heart of many of Matisse's major creations, from his earliest childhood sketches to his portraits painted during the Second World War. Some of the works on display come from prestigious American, Swiss and Japanese collections. In addition, Marguerite's own creations enrich this immersion in their artistic and family universe.

We thus discover a series of touching portraits, imbued with tenderness, where every stroke seems to reflect a sincere emotion. Matisse, who said he sought "almost complete identification between the painter and his model", found this rare mirror in Marguerite. Works from the USA, Switzerland and Japan, some never before shown in France, enrich this sensitive journey, alongside previously unseen photographs and archival documents.

The daughter of a youthful love affair between Matisse and his model Caroline Joblaud, Marguerite grew up in the close-knit circle formed by the artist's family and his two sons Jean and Pierre. She would later say: " We're like the five fingers of one hand ". As the exhibition unfolds, this bond is revealed through the decades, from the artist's earliest childhood sketches to her post-war works. What emerges is an almost palpable mutual trust.

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The exhibition is accompanied by a virtual reality experience entitled Danse Danse Danse - Matisse. Designed by Agnès Molia & Gordon, produced by Lucid Realities and TSVP, this immersive experience on level 6 of the museum lets you take part in a choreography by Sarah Silverblatt-Buser, inspired by the movements and colors dear to Matisse. You'll witness the birth of Matisse's greatest works as if they were being told to you by the artist, from La Danse (I) (MoMA, New York) to La Danse de Paris (Musée d'Art Moderne), via La Danse inachevée and La Danse de Merion. It's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the master's creative spirit, while experiencing the works themselves.

A sensory and poetic dive, to be experienced by reservation only. Not recommended for children under 10 or for people with sensitive senses (epilepsy, migraines, heart or balance disorders). A wonderful discovery for families and art lovers alike, in a museum that continues to combine modernity and emotion.

At the end of the course, a room dedicated to families awaits children! Games and photo spots are on the agenda.

The Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, located at 11 Avenue du Président Wilson in the 16ᵉ arrondissement, is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm, with a nocturne on Thursday until 9:30pm. Admission is €15 full price, €13 concessions, and free for under-18s. A wonderful opportunity to discover, in an exceptional setting, this little-known facet of Matisse's work and the story of his daughter Marguerite.

Note that the Matisse and Marguerite exhibition is not the only one to be unveiled. There are 3 other exhibitions: Gabriele Münter, Philippe Perrot and the astonishing installation byOliver Beer.