Claude Simon at the Lambinet Museum: Our Photo Gallery of the Exhibition in Versailles

The Lambinet Museum in Versailles hosts an exhibition dedicated to Claude Simon, showcased amidst its permanent collection from January 16 to March 22, 2026. The display brings together manuscripts, collages, sketches, photographs, archival documents, and rare correspondence.

The Lambinet Museum in Versailles is hosting an exhibition from January 16 to March 22, 2026, dedicated to Claude Simon, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1985. The show sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of his work: his visual art. Featuring around forty drawings, collages, paintings, photographs, along with archival documents and private correspondence, the exhibition is part of the museum's permanent collection. It is set against the backdrop of representations of La Séparation, the only play written by the author, which will be performed at the Théâtre Montansier from January 15 to 17, 2026, and explores the connections between image, memory, and writing.

Known for his novels characterized by Nouveau Roman influences, Claude Simon was not only a celebrated author but also a visual artist. This exhibition offers the public a rare glimpse into a less publicized side of his work. By blending various media and personal documents, it presents a chronological and thematic journey that reveals the creative processes behind his writing. Visitors can explore how memory mechanics, visual cuts, and autobiographical fragments intertwine, creating a dialogue between his written works and visual art.

Visual Archives, Writing, and Memory in Conversation

Among the showcased pieces are several original collages created from vintage photographs and printed materials, offering deeper insight into how Claude Simon integrated visual composition into his literary process. Handwritten letters and archival documents, sourced from public and private collections, round out this selection. These materials shed light on his artistic interests as well as his correspondence with fellow writers and artists.

The exhibition also examines the impact of art history on the artist's work, spanning from Nicolas Poussin to Pierre Soulages. Additionally, a lecture by Mireille Calle-Gruber, the curator of this show and author of a biography of Claude Simon, will be held in the museum's auditorium.

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