Association Yvonne et Christian Zervos

The Association Yvonne et Christian Zervos, also known as the Fondation Christian et Yvonne Zervos, is a French philanthropic association created on 15 March 1982 through the bequest of Christian Zervos, the founder and publisher of the art review Cahiers d'Art, and his wife Yvonne Zervos, a collector and gallery owner. The couple had supported many of the greatest artists of the 20th century. Upon Christian Zervos's death on 12 September 1970, they left their house (Maison Zervos), their collections, and all their assets to the town of Vézelay, with the intention of creating a foundation. This ultimately took the form of an association under the name Fondation Christian et Yvonne Zervos. The association is based in Vézelay, in the Yonne department of Burgundy, and is responsible for the Maison Zervos, located in the hamlet of La Goulotte near Vézelay. The house was opened to the public in 1998. The association's purpose is to provide artists or architects with funding for their professional projects. It is supported by the municipality of Vézelay, the Fondation Morvan, Terre de vie en Bourgogne, the Yonne Departmental Council, the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Region, and the Ministry of Culture and Communication (DRAC Bourgogne-Franche-Comté). Every two years, the association awards the Prix Zervos to encourage an artist or architect in their professional career. The Maison Zervos received the Maisons des Illustres label in 2013. In late August 2025, a new team led by Claire Fagnart was elected to the board and bureau of the association. The new project aims to return the house to its original function: a place where one lives, creates, meets, reflects, and exchanges. Planned initiatives include a more collegial operation, reflection with members and partners on the house's purpose, relaunching renovation for safety and long-term use, refurnishing with contemporary designers inspired by lost furniture, and launching projects such as a workshop with Paris VIII students titled 'Manger le paysage' and a musical performance for the opening of the 2026 season.

The Association Yvonne et Christian Zervos, also known as the Fondation Christian et Yvonne Zervos, was created on 15 March 1982 following the bequest of Christian Zervos and his wife Yvonne Zervos. Christian Zervos was the founder and publisher of the art review Cahiers d'Art, and the couple supported many of the greatest artists of the 20th century. Upon Christian Zervos's death on 12 September 1970, they left their house (Maison Zervos), their collections, and all their assets to the town of Vézelay, with the intention of creating a foundation. This ultimately took the form of an association under the name Fondation Christian et Yvonne Zervos. The association is based in Vézelay, in the Yonne department, and is responsible for the Maison Zervos, located in the hamlet of La Goulotte. The house was opened to the public in 1998. From 2001 to 2006, the foundation presented a selection of works from the Fonds régional d'art contemporain de Bourgogne. In 2006, the Prix Zervos-Région Bourgogne was created. In 2013, the Maison Zervos received the Maisons des Illustres label. The association awards the Prix Zervos every two years to encourage an artist or architect in their professional career. It has organized numerous exhibitions since 1982, both in Vézelay and elsewhere, featuring artists such as Picasso, Jean Hélion, Árpád Szenes, and many others. In late August 2025, a new team led by Claire Fagnart was elected to the board and bureau. The new project aims to return the house to its original function as a place of life, creation, meeting, reflection, and exchange. Planned initiatives include a more collegial operation, reflection with members and partners, relaunching renovation for safety and long-term use, refurnishing with contemporary designers, and launching projects such as a workshop with Paris VIII students titled 'Manger le paysage' and a musical performance for the opening of the 2026 season.

• Death of Christian Zervos; bequest of house and collections to Vézelay.

• Creation of the association Fondation Christian et Yvonne Zervos.

• Maison Zervos opened to the public.

• Foundation presents works from the FRAC Bourgogne.

• Creation of the Prix Zervos-Région Bourgogne.

• Maison Zervos awarded the Maisons des Illustres label.

• New team led by Claire Fagnart elected to board and bureau.

Non-profit arts organization preserving the Zervos legacy and supporting contemporary creation.

• Prix Zervos

  Biennial award to encourage an artist or architect in their professional career.

• Exhibitions

  Numerous exhibitions organized since 1982, featuring artists such as Picasso, Jean Hélion, Árpád Szenes, and others.

• Publications

  Exhibition catalogues, including 'Sauce béarnaise syndrome' (2013), 'Comme on déchire un drap' (2012), and others.

1. 1ACCUEIL | Fondation Zervos Vézelayfondationzervos.com
2. 2Fondation Christian et Yvonne Zervos - Wikipédiafr.wikipedia.org
3. 3Association Yvonne et Christian Zervos - Wikidatawikidata.org