Since her film debut in 1953, Brigitte Bardot has captivated the world with her magnetic presence and inimitable charm. From her first steps on the silver screen to her commitment to the animal cause, she has left her mark on the history of cinema and society, becoming a veritable icon of French culture.


The exhibition "Brigitte Bardot, beyond the image"from March 8 to May 26, 2024, at La Citadelle in Villefranche-sur-mer. Through a meticulous selection of photographs, film archives and personal objects, visitors will have the opportunity to plunge into the intimacy and exceptional career of this living legend.

The exhibition opens with one of her first roles in the film"Un acte d'amour" (1954), shot in Villefranche-sur-Mer, where she shared the screen with such cinema giants as Kirk Douglas. It was the start of an exceptional career, marked by iconic moments and memorable performances.

Rare photographs by Swiss photographer Léonard de Raemy offer an intimate look at Bardot, revealing her vulnerability behind the façade of celebrity. Each shot exposes a different facet of the actress, oscillating between bursts of joy and introspective moments, while preserving her magnetic aura.

Beyond her star image, Bardot was a pioneer, defying convention and shattering stereotypes of femininity and independence. This exhibition is therefore a celebration of her cinematic and cultural legacy, an invitation to rediscover the lasting impact she had on the world of cinema and beyond.

Organized in collaboration between La Citadelle-Centre d'art & Musées and Mr. Henry-Jean Servat, this exhibition promises to be a captivating immersion in the life and work of a woman who captivated the world while remaining true to herself. Don't miss this unique opportunity to plunge into the fascinating world of Brigitte Bardot, an undisputed French icon.

City of Villefranche-sur-mer

Exhibition "Brigitte Bardot, beyond the image

Chapelle Saint-Elme, La Citadelle

march 8 to May 26, 2024