The property of le Département du Morbihan since 1972, Le Domaine de Kerguéhennec offers you the opportunity to take a relaxing stroll through its magnificently landscaped grounds and to discover both works of art against a backdrop of Breton architectural heritage. Walking round the grounds you will come across works of sculpture dotted around the gardens and as you enter the 18th century castle, which is listed as a historical monument and the service quarters, you can visit the contemporary art exhibitions.
ART
The conversation between art, architecture and the lansdcape is at the heart of the artistic agenda at Kerguéhennec. Every year, artists in residence are invited to immerse themselves totally in this exceptional setting. The castle and its service quarters house exhibitions by contemporary artists from March to November, along with a permanent exhibition of the work of Tal Coat ( 1905-1985), one of the major figures in painting in the second half of the 20th century. Created in 1986, the sculpture park is one of the largest in Europe, nowadays displaying over 30 works by major artists.
ARCHITECTURE
Protected as a listed building, the castle was erected in the 18th century by a group of Swiss bankers and designed by Olivier Delourme(1660-1729) , the well-known architect from Vannes. During the following century, the castle was significantly remodelled under the influence of the new owner, Count Lanjuinais. Restored at the beginning of the millenium, the castle has kept its neo-Renaissance style on the ground floor, whereas the first floor has been taken back to the original 18th century design so that the large rooms can be used as an exhibition space.
Landscape
Initially designed in the spirit of a “Jardin à la française”, the park has undergone significant modifications in the north sector of the grounds, at the end of the 19th century under the influence of Denis Bühler. This famous landcape gardener also created the Thabor gardens in Rennes and the Tête d’or gardens in Lyon, created a veritable artboretum and designed new winding pathways, which are a contrast to the more rectiline alleyways to the south of the castle.