Nathan Chiche
In Vantoux, a few kilometres from Metz, Galerie Nathan Chiche made a bold choice: to occupy a former school designed by architect Jean Prouvé. The listed building becomes the setting for a contemporary art in dialogue with architecture. Each season, an invited artist unfolds their work among the portholes, bays and original furniture. A singular address where the artistic gesture answers Prouvé's constructive genius.
A school by Jean Prouvé
The building is a primary school built in 1951 by Jean Prouvé and his brother Henri, in Vantoux. A major figure of 20th-century architecture, Jean Prouvé brought to it his passion for light, prefabricated structures inherited from post-war reconstruction. Listed as a historic monument since 2001, the school welcomed pupils until 2014 before finding a second life as a gallery. Its details — frame, portholes, large bays — are part of the visiting experience.
Contemporary art in dialogue with the place
The gallery's stance is to have each exhibition converse with Prouvé's architecture. The invited artist does not simply hang works: they compose with the portholes, the classrooms, the original furniture. The programme runs to around four exhibitions a year, and the works shown are offered for sale. For the opening, artist Jean-Pierre Raynaud took over the space, his pieces answering the preserved architectural elements.
A young gallerist, one ambition
The project is led by Nathan Chicheportiche, son of a collector and gallerist, who opened his first gallery here while still very young. His ambition: to create dialogues between an artist's project and the architectural richness of the building. He also plans to invite architects and designers to install their projects in the former schoolyard. A small library, moreover, has taken place in one of the rooms, extending the spirit of a place of life and transmission.
Practical information and access
The gallery is at 90 rue Jean-Julien Barbé, in Vantoux (57070), a village about five kilometres from Metz — best to plan for a car or a slightly longer trip than a city-centre visit. It opens at the end of the week, Thursday to Saturday 12pm–6pm. As the displays change with the seasons and hours may vary, check nathanchiche.com for the current exhibition before setting out.
Infos pratiques
Adresse : 90 Rue Jean-Julien Barbé, 57070 Vantoux
Questions fréquentes
What is special about the building?
It is a 1951 primary school designed by architect Jean Prouvé and his brother Henri, listed as a historic monument since 2001. The gallery has contemporary art converse with this exceptional prefabricated architecture.
Where is the gallery and when is it open?
At 90 rue Jean-Julien Barbé, in Vantoux (57070), about five kilometres from Metz. It opens Thursday to Saturday 12pm–6pm; as hours may change, check nathanchiche.com before coming.
Can the exhibited works be bought?
Yes, this is a gallery: the works shown during exhibitions are offered for sale. You can also simply come to see the current display.
How many exhibitions a year?
About four a year, each entrusted to an invited artist who composes with the school's architecture. Check the website for the current exhibition.
