The Fondation Beyeler in Switzerland hosted a unique event where visitors explored Paul Cézanne’s 'Bathers' series while dressed in swimwear, inspired by artist Maurizio Cattelan. The playful initiative reimagined the relationship between art and nature, offering free entry to those in swimsuits and creating a surreal yet immersive experience.
The Fondation Beyeler in Riehen, Switzerland, transformed into an unconventional art experience on May 1, 2026, as visitors were invited to explore Paul Cézanne ’s iconic 'Bathers' series while dressed in swimwear.
This unique event, titled 'Bathers’ Day' and inspired by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, reimagined the relationship between art, nature, and the human body. The museum, known for its modern and contemporary art exhibitions, encouraged attendees to embrace the playful spirit of Cézanne’s work, where nude figures blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. Those who arrived in swimsuits were granted free entry, adding to the event’s appeal.
Inside the gallery, visitors in swimwear mingled among Cézanne’s masterpieces, creating a surreal yet harmonious scene. Julien Rondez, a 34-year-old Swiss graphic designer, described the experience as 'quite absurd' but ultimately enjoyable. He sat on a bench in striped swimming trunks, balancing an exhibition catalogue and audio guide headphones, noting that the event made the visitors themselves part of the artwork. Others, like a 53-year-old human resources professional, admitted initial hesitation but found the atmosphere liberating.
The museum’s garden became an extension of the exhibition, with guests sunbathing by a pond adorned with water lilies, further blurring the lines between art and life. The 'Bathers’ Day' event drew art enthusiasts from across Europe, including Laurence Gainet, a gallery owner from Dijon, France, who stumbled upon the spectacle by chance.
Meanwhile, Marc Schmidlin, a 40-year-old landscape gardener from Thurgau, traveled 150 kilometers to participate, drawn by the novelty of a free museum visit in swimwear. Ana Lopes, a Portuguese architect based in Basel, reflected on Cézanne’s work, noting how his paintings capture the organic connection between people and nature. The event, conceived by Cattelan, successfully bridged the past and present, offering a fresh perspective on Cézanne’s timeless exploration of the human form in nature
Fondation Beyeler Paul Cézanne Bathers’ Day Maurizio Cattelan Swiss Museum
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