For a long time, art history was written without them. Yet they were part of the avant-garde, participated in major artistic movements, and challenged the conventions of their time with the same boldness, sensitivity, and high standards as their male counterparts.
Combining heritage, cultural transmission, and cultural engagement, the FAMM stands out as a unique institution with an international reach, located in the heart of Mougins, an inspiring village where art has been part of the landscape for generations. In this setting steeped in history, the museum pursues an ambitious mission conceived by Christian Levett: to shine a light on the women who helped shape major artistic movements yet have all too often remained on the margins of official narratives.
It is this shared commitment to promoting the cultural and artistic heritage of the French Riviera that brings FAMM and Magrey & Sons together today.
“Every retreat from one’s will is a fragment of substance lost; I vow to myself to take charge from now on of the eternal rules of my life.” — Berthe Morisot
“A woman artist must be capable of making fundamental sacrifices.” — Mary Cassatt.
The words echo through the halls of the FAMM, the Museum of Women Artists in Mougins. Much more than a museum, the FAMM is a response to centuries of women being silently erased from art history.
The project originated from a vision championed by Christian Levett. A philanthropist and passionate collector for over thirty years, he has built one of the world’s most significant private collections dedicated to women artists. This initiative stems from a deep conviction: some of the greatest artists in history have never received the recognition they deserve. Over the past three decades, Christian Levett has built the world’s largest private collection dedicated to women artists, comprising nearly 700 works in total, about 100 of which are on display at the FAMM.
Christian Levett’s commitment to the recognition of women artists extends far beyond the walls of the FAMM.
In 2018, he decided to dedicate his Florentine palace exclusively to their works, thereby affirming his commitment to highlighting talents that had long been underrepresented in collections and cultural institutions. Since 2021, the venue has also hosted private tours for patrons, collectors, and scholars from around the world. This initiative is accompanied by extensive research and outreach efforts, notably through several academic publications produced in collaboration with Merrell Publishers.
Today, FAMM’s international reach is also reflected in an active lending policy to major museums, as well as a traveling exhibition organized in collaboration with the American Federation of the Arts. Featuring some fifty works from the collection, this exhibition is currently touring the United States and will be presented at seven American museums between 2025 and 2028.
Since June 2024, this vision has taken shape in a venue that is unique in Europe. Nestled in the heart of the old village of Mougins, the FAMM (Femmes Artistes Musée Mougins) is the first museum outside the United States entirely dedicated to women artists, from Impressionism to contemporary art. Through a remarkable collection, it offers a fresh perspective on art history, where female artists reclaim their rightful place at the center of the artistic narrative.
The exhibition invites visitors to explore the major movements that have shaped the history of art through the eyes of women whose influence has long been underestimated. From leading figures of Impressionism, such as Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt, and Eva Gonzalès, to the unique worlds of Surrealism embodied by Leonora Carrington and Leonor Fini, the museum highlights artists who helped transform their era while often remaining on the margins of traditional narratives.
Contemporary art also plays a central role at the FAMM. The works on display explore universal themes such as identity, memory, the body, and the role of women in society, fostering a rich dialogue between artistic heritage and contemporary creation. More than just a museum on the French Riviera, the FAMM stands as a space for knowledge sharing, discovery, and reflection, actively contributing to the cultural influence of Mougins and the region.
The choice of Mougins further reinforces this identity. A historic village nestled between the sea and the mountains, Mougins has always maintained a close connection with the arts. Pablo Picasso spent the last years of his life there, while Man Ray, Fernand Léger, Coco Chanel, and even Winston Churchill also stayed there. Today, this destination a favorite among international collectors and art lovers provides the FAMM with a setting that matches its ambition.
In addition to its permanent collection, the FAMM also hosts temporary exhibitions at the Mougins Art Center, showcasing internationally renowned contemporary artists.
Magrey & Sons a eu l’honneur d’être convié à plusieurs de ces événements culturels, véritables temps forts de la scène artistique azuréenne. La plus récente exposition, Rémiscience, a notamment mis en lumière le travail de l’artiste franco-américaine Elizabeth Colomba. À travers ses œuvres empreintes de mémoire, de symbolisme et de narration historique, l’artiste explore les représentations du corps noir féminin dans l’histoire de l’art occidental, offrant une réflexion puissante sur l’identité, l’héritage et la visibilité.
It is within this environment where heritage, culture, and the art of living converge that the partnership between Magrey & Sons and FAMM takes root. A collaboration built on shared values: the transmission and promotion of cultural heritage, and a commitment to supporting meaningful initiatives.
On this occasion, Magrey & Sons had the honor of sharing this moment with dedicated women whose careers, commitments, and initiatives actively contribute to the promotion of art and the preservation of cultural heritage. Inspiring figures who embody the very spirit of FAMM: highlighting those who, through their vision and actions, help keep culture alive and pass on its legacy to future generations.
Through this partnership, Magrey & Sons reaffirms its commitment to the institutions that contribute to the cultural richness of the French Riviera. More than just support, this is a commitment to preserving, creating, and promoting a cultural heritage that continues to sustain the region’s identity and appeal.
