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Chagall Museum Opened First in France Honoring Living Painter

July 10, 1973
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The Mare Chagall National Art Museum was inaugurated yesterday in the town of Cimiez, near Nice, in the presence of the French Minister of Culture Maurice Druon, former Culture Minister Andre Malraux, and Israeli Ambassador Asher Ben Natan. The museum is the first ever built by France for a living painter.

Chagall told the JTA the museum was “a symbol for the Jewish people the world over and for Israel.” The museum, which is called the “Mare Chagall Biblical Message,” houses more than 400 drawings, lithographs, sculptures, oil paintings, pastels, mosaics, tapestries, and stained-glass windows. Each has a Biblical theme.

At the ceremony, Chagall recalled memories of his childhood, such as the profound religious faith of his father and the songs of the Passover “seder.” The Chief Rabbi of Nice, Michel Morrali, was also present.

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