Situated in the Morbihan, the Domaine de Kerguéhennec has been a heritage site for culture (CCR) since 1998. In line with its heritage, its cultural project establishes a dialogue between art, architecture and landscape.
THE HERITAGE SITE
The Domaine was commissioned from the architect Olivier Delourme in 1710 by the Swiss Hogguer brothers. In 1872 the Domaine passed into the ownership of Count Paul-Henri Lanjuinais, who made the chateau his principal residence and undertook significant works under the direction of the Parisian architect Ernest Trihle, who added a chapel, the windows in the roof, the front steps, the ornamental lake and the balustrades in the cour d’honneur. The architect also renewed the interior decor and ornamented the central pediment of the main façade. The botanical park was added by the Bühler brothers, famous ‘landscapers’ of the late 19th century. To the north of the castle, wide curved avenues pass through the wooded areas of the Grand-Bois. The mature arboretum contains beech, oak and chestnut alongside remarkable specimens from around the world, under which lie beds of rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas.
THE CULTURAL PROJECT
The unique project of the Domaine de Kerguéhennec is based on the themes of art, architecture and landscape. It seeks to explore the spirit and usage of places, to reveal their historical continuity and to encourage a dialogue which is physical, mental and intellectual between built and landscape environments and creative concepts, ideas, images and forms. The artistic and cultural project of this heritage site aims to promote its collections (sculpture park and the Pierre Tal Coat archive) while maintaining a dialogue with contemporary creation, particularly in the field of visual arts and sculpture but also through a multidisciplinary programme including live performance and contemporary dance. The centre welcomes artists in residence all year round.
ACTIVITIES
The historical and contemporary dimensions of the park, the paintings of Tal Coat and the involvement of the Domaine in its local area have led to the development of a theme around the question of landscape. This is explored through a variety of creative activities, diffusion, exhibition and transmission, with regular temporary exhibitions housed in the castle’s former stable buildings. The Domaine also welcomes sculptors for residencies of around three months.
A LOCAL AND REGIONAL PRESENCE
The Morbihan département has amassed a rich collection of several thousand paintings, watercolours, drawings and engravings by the painter Pierre Tal Coat (1905-1985). Destined for educational establishments, libraries, town halls and medico-social centres, the public is thereby given a valuable opportunity to engage with the collection. In addition, events to encourage this cultural dialogue include discussion groups, conferences, discovery sessions for young people, workshops and travelling exhibitions.
The Domaine de Kerguéhennec has developed partnerships with cultural stakeholders in its local area and region. Its on-site and outreach activities, along with the site’s artistic programming itself, invite the involvement of local artists regardless of their creative field.