By Marie-Madeleine Remoleur Published on May 12, 2026 at 7:30
With pencil or pen strokes, the “wall of words” at the entrance of the Franciscaines sets the tone. Small messages or drawings on white paper tell the stories and emotions of visitors who have wandered in this cultural hub, read a book while lounging on one of the sofas of the Univers, visited one of the current exhibitions, vibrated while watching a show, taken the time to have a coffee or a meal at the Refectory. “In these little words, some visitors tell us that they dream of having the Franciscaines where they live,” smiles the director, Caroline Clémet, proud of the success of the establishment in Deauville (Calvados).
Five years after closing, this unique cultural place has proven itself as an essential living space in Deauville. Through its exhibitions, shows, conferences, and encounters, it has attracted followers and memories, sparked words and emotions. A cultural temple where the arts merge, practices are decompartmentalized, and lives intersect, offering a new life to these walls with a rich history, celebrating this week its five years of existence and shared cultural experiences.
“A loyal spirit from its beginnings but enriched over time”
More than a million visitors, 12,358 students, and 66,339 attendees welcomed, 33 organized exhibitions, 227,725 loans in the media library. These symbolic figures speak volumes about the success of the cultural venue that opened in May 2021. For the teams at the heart of this success, it goes beyond numbers. “We revisited all the programs since 2021 and realized that we have remained faithful to the original spirit, echoing the Franciscaines’ events, enriching the collections and bringing them to life with various events. We have not only maintained this consistency but also enriched it over time,” explains Caroline Clémet.
The programming has evolved over the years, embracing new and more innovative formats, welcoming immersive forms, larger artist residences, and seizing opportunities like the Flammarion 150th-anniversary celebration. This progression has always maintained coherence around a theme, an exhibition, or a topic, unfolding into different aspects. Philippe Normand, a cultural advisor, highlights the trust that partners and cultural collaborators have shown. Exhibitions remain the driving force, guiding the programming and setting the tone, even in response to the artistic or literary current events.
And following established connections with artists over time has led to unique propositions. The donation of 134 handwritten songbooks by Pierre Delanoë gave birth to unexpected evenings. This confidence from lenders and cultural partners has grown stronger, culminating in prestigious collaborations like the exhibition dedicated to Raoul Dufy completely loaned by Pompidou, and proposals to exhibit Monet’s works, reflecting his art. This showcases the intrinsic trust placed in the establishment.
“The public has embraced this living space”
From its inception, millions of visitors have crossed the threshold of the Franciscaines, showing a growing curiosity and firmly established habits. The 4,680 subscribers have become true ambassadors of Franciscaines. The Pass evolution to include unlimited access to exhibitions marked a significant shift in the visitor’s ownership of the space.
In the same spirit, a student pass was created, acknowledging the establishment as a hub for diverse publics. Over the five years, various demographics have gradually embraced the spaces and uses of the venue. Artists draw inspiration from the site for creation purposes, utilizing its quiet nooks and spaces to write and create. Writers like Lilia Hassaine have found inspiration at Franciscaines to pen their work, adding to the cultural tapestry of the place.
“A lever of attractiveness and a social tool”
The Franciscaines have not just had a cultural impact but also played a crucial role as a tourism and economic asset, significantly boosting the attractiveness of the region. Director Caroline Clémet highlights how the establishment has become a transformative tool for the territory. In addition to its cultural and educational components, it serves as a social tool through various writing workshops, educational projects, and the Fab lab activities. This collaborative approach has led to the creation of a FALC booklet in collaboration with ESAT Anaës, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.
The initiative to reach out to those who may feel hesitant or unwelcome will continue. The goal is to maintain the venue as a vibrant living space, mixing different uses and audiences, and constantly renewing the cultural offerings.
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