Château La Coste: The Exclusive Vineyard That Creates New Contemporary Art Every Year

The French Provençe has inspired artists like Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Matisse. The relaxed colors, tranquil aromas, and calm life captivated the "light artists". The French region eternally lives in the canvases of those who chose to gift their art to the province, and now, Château la Coste shows that it's not necessary to capture an image on a canvas to transform it into art.

The winemaking tradition of Château la Coste is an attraction for art lovers who complement their cultural visit with a glass of wine, handcrafted in the estate's vineyards. Besides drinking wine while observing its place of origin, visitors can also purchase it in the Château's wine cellar. A team of top-level chefs, recognized in their field, designs exclusive dishes for the various restaurants on the estate.

To enjoy this artistic and gastronomic journey at a leisurely pace, visitors can spend the night at Château la Coste. The hotel and the different villas designed by leading architects in contemporary art offer peace and disconnection. Guests have amenities like pools and private yoga classes. The Spa is a unique place, as relaxation happens among art and nature.

The work of Louise Bourgeois has become an icon of the Château.

The art and architecture join hands in this natural space of the south of France. Tadao Ando is one of the designers of the galleries that welcome guests to Château la Coste, though he is not the only architect donating his talent to the estate. The contemporary art of the Château can be visited by strolling freely through the gardens, though guided tours can also be reserved. Two permanent galleries and a pavilion hosting temporary exhibitions showcase works by artists like Michael Stipe and Tom Shannon.

Damien Hirst is the first artist to occupy all of Château la Coste with his works. Within 200 hectares of spectacular nature, and five pavilions - which can also be considered art - host some of the most recognized works by the British artist, as well as pieces never before seen. The exhibition is titled The Light That Shines, and with his characteristic way of viewing the world, he addresses themes like beauty, science, life, and death.

The controversial artist began his career in the 90s with his work The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living, and since then, Hirst has been one of the biggest references in contemporary art. "The difference between art about death and real death is that one is a celebration and the other is a boring fact," believes the Brit.

The works of Damien Hirst at Château la Coste are reborn in a new form, as the environment created by the bucolic landscapes of Provence are part of the canvas. The sculptures that challenge nature are surrounded by it, as a struggle for the power to dominate the cycle of life: the artist against the great creator.

The exhibition of Damien Hirst can be visited from March 2 to June 23, 2024.