Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild: the grandest restoration of the century on the French Riviera

The jewel of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, is preparing for an unprecedented transformation. The monument’s administration has announced the launch of a large-scale restoration campaign, which will be the largest in the villa’s history since its completion in 1912. The work will start in the summer of 2027 and will last for at least two years, with the total project budget estimated in tens of millions of euros.

🏰 A little history: a palace born out of a passion for art

The villa was built by Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, heiress of the famous banking dynasty. A woman with impeccable taste and immense wealth acquired a plot on Cape Ferrat in 1905 and commissioned architect Aaron Messiah to create a residence that would become her personal museum. The villa, designed in a neorenaissance style with Venetian and Hispano-Moorish motifs, was completed after seven years. The baroness lived here until her death in 1934, after which she bequeathed the villa to the Institute of France with the condition that it would be open to the public as a museum.

Today, it is one of the most visited attractions on the French Riviera: around 500,000 tourists from all over the world visit the villa and its famous gardens annually.

🌿 Gardens - a separate chapter: nine worlds on one plot

The villa is as famous for its gardens as it is for its architecture. Béatrice Rothschild, a passionate lover of botany, created nine thematic gardens around the mansion, each reflecting a specific culture or style:

French garden with perfect geometric shapes and fountains; Spanish garden with orange trees and ceramics; Florentine garden with cypresses and ancient statues; Japanese garden with a pagoda, bamboo, and a pond with koi carp; Exotic garden with cacti and succulents; Rose garden, lavender field, rock garden, and scented garden. These gardens bear the honorary status of “Remarkable Gardens of France” (Jardin Remarquable) and are a true work of landscape art. During the restoration, they will not only be preserved but also drainage systems will be reinforced and some plant compositions affected by time and salty winds will be updated.

🔨 Restoration stages: from outbuildings to museum halls

The work will be carried out in stages to minimize inconvenience to visitors (although complete closures will not be avoided).

First stage (already started):

Restoration of outbuildings that have been abandoned for a long time. They will be transformed into residences for artists and sculptors to return the spirit of a creative laboratory to the villa, as it was during the baroness’s time. Relocation of administrative offices from historic buildings to modern premises to free up space for museum purposes.

Second stage (2027-2028):

Complete renovation of the entrance area and ticket offices. It is planned to create a modern welcome pavilion with a souvenir shop and a café that will harmoniously fit into the landscape without compromising the historical appearance. After this, the museum inside the villa will be closed to the public for an extended period to carry out a comprehensive restoration of the interiors. Third stage (internal restoration):

Restoration of facades - they have suffered greatly from the harsh maritime climate. Salt, humidity, and strong winds from the sea corrode the stone and stucco. Specialists will have to clean the surfaces, replace damaged elements, and apply protective coatings. Full renovation of interiors: gilded stucco decorations, antique parquet floors, silk wallpapers, Venetian chandeliers, and marble fireplaces will be restored using authentic materials and techniques. Modernization of storage and climate control systems for the priceless collection of artworks amassed by the baroness: Sèvres porcelain, Louis XV furniture, paintings by old masters, a unique collection of miniatures, and rare oriental rugs.

🌊 Why is restoration necessary now?

The villa literally stands on a rocky promontory jutting into the Mediterranean Sea. Corrosion from salty spray and ultraviolet radiation has caused colossal damage to the facades for over a century. The last significant restoration was carried out in the 1980s, and since then many elements have deteriorated. In addition, the internal electrical, heating, and ventilation systems are outdated and do not meet modern requirements for preserving museum treasures.

The villa’s director, Marie-Christine Cain, emphasized: “We have a responsibility to pass on this heritage to future generations. The restoration will not only restore the building to its former glory but also make it more resilient to climate change, which brings increasingly aggressive weather events to the coast.”

💰 Financing and support

The project is funded from several sources: funds from the Institute of France (owner of the villa), government grants for cultural heritage conservation, sponsorship support from private patrons, and a portion of the museum’s current activities income. The authorities of the South - Provence - Alps - French Riviera region have also promised to provide subsidies, recognizing the villa as a key tourist and cultural brand.

🗓 What will happen to visitors?

Over the next two years, until the main stage begins, the villa will continue to welcome guests, but with some restrictions. After the closure of the museum in 2027, the gardens will remain open - they will become the main attraction for tourists. In addition, temporary exhibitions and cultural events will be organized in the restored outbuildings, so the spirit of creativity will not leave Cape Ferrat even during the renovation.

By restoring the villa, France will preserve one of the most romantic and elegant architectural ensembles in Europe. The summer of 2029, when the villa reopens its doors after all the work, promises to be a true celebration for lovers of beauty. 🌹