The French Riviera has arrived in London, following the launch of Art of London’s Step Into the French Riviera, a free immersive public art experience bringing the sunshine, colour and creative spirit of the Mediterranean to the streets of the West End.
Now, the experience is expanding with two striking new installations. In Piccadilly Circus, visitors can immerse themselves in a reimagining of Raoul Dufy’s Golfe Juan, evoking the colour and energy of the Côte d’Azur. On Coventry Street, visitors can step into a world inspired by Yves Klein’s iconic International Klein Blue, the trend-setting shade currently appearing everywhere from fashion collections to home interiors, brought to life alongside the sounds of French jazz.
Together, the installations bring the atmosphere, energy and artistic spirit of the Côte d’Azur to London’s streets, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in some of the French Riviera’s most celebrated creative works while exploring the capital’s premier cultural district.
Created by Art of London in partnership with the Royal Academy of Arts, the experience invites visitors to step inside larger-than-life artworks inspired by masterpieces from the Royal Academy’s Painting the French Riviera exhibition. Combining colour, sound and scent, the installations bring art beyond gallery walls, while encouraging visitors to explore the West End’s rich and varied cultural offer.
Visitors can also discover a French Riviera-inspired playlist curated by broadcaster and Royal Academy of Arts Honorary Trustee Clara Amfo, accessible via QR codes at each installation. Designed to accompany visitors as they journey between the artworks, the playlist brings another layer of Riviera atmosphere to London’s West End.
Clara Amfo said: “I’ve always loved how different practices of visual art and music can intersect to transport a person. Step Into the French Riviera brings the art, atmosphere and spirit of the French Riviera, celebrated at the Royal Academy of Arts, right into the heart of London’s West End.
I really enjoyed curating a mini playlist to accompany that feeling of escape, and I hope people can take a moment to explore the experience and enjoy switching off and soaking up a taste of the Riviera.”
For those not quite ready to say goodbye to summer sunshine, Step Into the French Riviera offers a moment of cultural escapism, drawing on insights from Art Fundi highlighting how even brief encounters with art can support wellbeing and reduce stress.
The Riviera theme continues across the West End, with participating businesses offering food, drink and cultural experiences inspired by the south of France. Highlights include Riviera-inspired cocktails, special dining offers and Royal Academy exhibition packages at Sofitel London St James, Bistrot at Wild Honey, The May Fair and Archive & Myth.
Kirsty Tullett-Jones, Director of Marketing & Communications at Art of London, said: “This autumn, we wanted to bring a little of the French Riviera’s colour, creativity and sense of escape to London, while giving people a new reason to explore the West End. Working with the Royal Academy has allowed us to reimagine these incredible works in a way that feels playful, unexpected and accessible, while Clara Amfo was a natural partner, bringing her passion for art and music to create a soundtrack that adds another dimension to the experience.”
Ann Dumas, Curator at the Royal Academy of Arts, said: “The artists featured in Painting the French Riviera were drawn to the region’s extraordinary light, colour and atmosphere, and those qualities have inspired generations of artists. We’re excited to see that spirit brought to life in the West End, offering audiences a new way to connect with these works before discovering the original paintings at the Royal Academy.”
Step Into the French Riviera forms part of Art of London’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the arts, entertainment and experiences that make the West End one of London’s most exciting destinations.
Created by Heart of London Business Alliance, Art of London is the award-winning initiative championing the West End’s leading cultural institutions, including the Royal Academy of Arts.
