Nestled in the coastal hills of Théoule-sur-Mer, Maison Bernard stands as a living testament to the boundless creativity of Antti Lovag and Pierre Bernard—a collaboration that forever redefined the idea of a home.

Born in 1920 in Hungary, Antti Lovag was not just an architect; he called himself a habitologist—one who studies human habits and transforms them into spaces that breathe, move, and live with their inhabitants. Rejecting rigid lines and right angles, Lovag embraced curves and spheres, believing they better matched human mobility and natural gestures.

His partnership with Pierre Bernard became the foundation of a remarkable adventure that culminated in the construction of his first house in Théoule-sur-Mer—a place that transcended architecture to become an experience of freedom.

A Legacy Preserved: The Maison Bernard Endowment Fund

Today, the Maison Bernard Endowment Fund carries forward this extraordinary vision, ensuring the protection and perennity of Lovag’s architectural work with Pierre Bernard. Originally designed as a family residence, the house has evolved into one of the most accomplished examples of organic architecture—a philosophy that blends structure, environment, and emotion into one continuous dialogue.

Maison Bernard embodies the experimental and innovative spirit of Lovag’s construction principles, reflecting both his architectural daring and his deep understanding of the human form within space.

Art in Residence: A Living Dialogue Between Space and Creation

To keep the house alive as a space of inspiration, the Endowment Fund hosts an artist-in-residence program each year. For a period of up to six months, a selected artist is invited to create an original work that interacts with the house’s architecture and its natural surroundings.

These artists receive a scholarship and are accommodated in independent quarters and an adjacent workshop, both designed by Lovag himself in the 1970s for his personal use. Through this initiative, Maison Bernard continues to nurture creativity and ensure that art and architecture remain in constant conversation.

Restoration and Renewal: Odile Decq & Isabelle Bernard

Over a five-year renovation period, the Maison Bernard underwent a sensitive restoration led by architect Odile Decq in collaboration with Isabelle Bernard. The project focused on the use of color, infusing each space with its own identity and emotional resonance.

The result is a contemporary and joyful reinterpretation of Lovag’s 1970s vision—a celebration of form, light, and color that enhances the house’s dynamic spirit while respecting its original soul.

Visiting Maison Bernard: An Invitation to Discover

In keeping with its mission to make Lovag’s work accessible to the public, the Maison Bernard Endowment Fund now opens its doors for guided visits.

Tours are available by appointment every Tuesday from October through April, and every other Tuesday in May, June, and September. Limited to small groups of eight visitors aged 15 and above, the experience offers a rare opportunity to explore the home’s most emblematic spaces and gain a deeper appreciation for Lovag’s visionary approach to architecture.

Entrance Fee: €25 (€15 for students and minors)
Booking: via the online form at www.fonds-maisonbernard.com

Through the Lens: A Photographic Tribute

To mark the creation of the Endowment Fund, photographer Yves Gellie was commissioned to produce a series of artistic photographs exploring the play of form and color within the house. His photographic essay delves into the relationship between art and architecture, examining space not only as structure but as expression.

A selection of his work can be viewed on the official website:
www.fonds-maisonbernard.com

📞 +33 970 447 680
📍 Port-la-Galère, 06590 Théoule-sur-Mer
© Photos: Yves Gellie

A Living Work of Art

More than a monument, Maison Bernard remains a living work—constantly evolving, breathing creativity, and inspiring those who cross its curved thresholds.
It stands not only as a masterpiece of organic architecture, but also as a testament to the harmony between humanity, art, and the natural world.