The region of Digne-les-Bains has the world's largest collection of works by Andy Goldsworthy gathered in the same space.
Refuge d'Art is a single work to be covered in around ten days of walking. This route, unique in Europe, crosses the exceptional landscapes of theUNESCO Geopark of Haute Provence and combines contemporary art, hiking and the promotion of natural and cultural heritage in a unique way.
River of Earth
The very first Art Refuge has as its setting the Gassendi Museum in the heart of Digne-les-Bains.
Connecting three sentinels (dry stone cairns) in the heart of three valleys, the route follows old paths and crosses traces of a once intense agricultural life. Andy Goldsworthy wanted to punctuate this route with refuges, old ruined habitats belonging to small unprotected rural heritage (chapels, farms, etc.) which have been restored to shelter hikers for a stopover or a night. A sculpture designed specifically in each of its sites is now an integral part of the building.
Starting point
The Gassendi Museum
A monumental work – River of Earth
The Gassendi Museum constitutes both the starting point and the arrival point of Art Refuge.
He houses River of Earth, the first Art Refuge was created in 1999 by Andy Goldsworthy. A monumental clay wall of more than 50 m², it is exhibited on the fourth floor of the building, in a vast space: the landscape room.
This room confronts two visions of the idea of landscape: the romantic and traditional vision of Provençal painters influenced by the ideals of Frédéric Mistral and the contemporary vision of Andy Goldsworthy.
I have regularly come to work in Digne since 1995. Each visit seems to have generated an idea and a reason to come back. Ballet Atlantique and Digne have always been linked for me. When Régine offered me a second collaboration, our discussions focused on the idea of a river.
Visit the museum
Gassendi Museum
04000 Digne-les-Bains
Temporary Exhibition
Andy Goldsworthy: A look back at a lonely job
Donated by the artist to the Gassendi Museum in 2023, more than 40 drawings of unfinished projects are exhibited at the Gassendi Museum as well as photographs of ephemeral works, videos and performances produced by the British artist during his multiple stays in the Alpes de Haute Provence.
Exhibition visible until May 31, 2024.
Art as a pretext for walking
Art shelter
The sculpture here is not just the stone, it's the house, it's the whole route
Mountain guides aware of art
The association Art on the way brings together professionals (mountain guides, accommodation providers, restaurateurs, etc.) aware of the mountain art collection of the Gassendi Museum.
Using their service ensures optimal support around works of art in the great outdoors.