On the occasion of the exhibition Alvar Aalto, architecte et designer at the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine in Paris (9 March-1 July 2018), Maison Louis Carré organizes an exhibition focusing on the Alvar Aalto Medal and its newest laureate, the Chinese architect Zhang Ke.

At Maison Louis Carré, the exhibition is mainly focused on two types of works: Zhang Ke’s projects in Tibet, on one hand, and his interventions in the hutongs of Beijing, on the other hand. These projects are presented through models, photographs, plans and drawings, placed in the hall, the dining room and the living room of the villa.

Established in 1967 by the Museum of Finnish Architecture and the Finnish Association of Architects, this medal is given intermittently in recognition of a significant contribution to creative architecture. Created in the honor of Alvar Aalto, it was designed by himself. The medal may be bestowed on a living person who is exceptionally accomplished in the field of creative architecture and has carried on Aalto’s legacy of sustainable, humane design. A condition for the award is respect for ecology in building and the timeless principle of architecture as a societal tool and a reinforcer of social relationships. The prize bearing Aalto’s name is one of the most important honors bestowed on architects worldwide.

Louis Carré was one of those wise collectors and art dealers who got involved in the avant-garde movements during the 20th century. After academic training as a jurist and a career as an antique dealer specializing in French plate, he opened his Parisian gallery in 1938 with Paul Klee, Juan Gris and Le Corbusier.

Louis Carré's militant renown in the arena of modern art asserted itself during the hardships of the Occupation when he defended the new French creativity of Dufy, Matisse, Rouault, Vuillart, Jacques Villon and André Marchand. During the post-war period, he especially exhibited Bazaine, Kupka, Estève and Léger.

In the manner of Guggenheim and Maeght, Louis Carré left as a legacy an architectural work: his villa in Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, close to Versailles, designed by his friend, the Finnish Alvar Aalto, one of the greatest architects and designers of the 20th century.

Since 2014, the Association presents two to three exhibitions of contemporary art per year. Until the present day, paintings, photographs, sculpture, drawings, design and installations have found a natural place throughout the spaces of this modern villa. ZHANG KE & THE ALVAR AALTO MEDAL is the first exhibition of architecture organized in the house.


PRACTICAL INFORMATION

2 chemin du Saint Sacrement
78490 Bazoches-sur-Guyonne
+33 (0)1 34 86 79 63
www.maisonlouiscarre.fr

Open:
March to November, Saturdays and Sundays 2-6pm upon reservation.
Private visits and groups upon request. Maximum size of a tour 19 persons.
Group visits outside normal opening days and hours are possible on arrangement.

Admission fees:
15€ for adults, 5€ reduced price, free for children under 12 with family.
10€ for groups over 10 persons.
The admission fee includes a guided tour in English/French.