The CEM (Centre Européen de Musique) has reached a new stage in its mission by announcing the renovation of Villa Viardot in Bougival. This house was the country residence of the famous opera singer Pauline Viardot and will be the centerpiece of the future CEM.

After a successful crowdfunding campaign to save the house of Georges Bizet, launched in June 2017, which raised more than 1 150 000 euros, in addition to the honorary participation of one million euros from the Departmental Council of Yvelines, the CEM continues its ascent with the inclusion of the Villa Viardot, thanks to the President of the French Republic’s intent to safeguard the heritage of 14 endangered historical monuments.

This exceptional heritage site, just minutes from Paris, in the town of Yvelines, will allow the creation of the CEM; a unique multidisciplinary center dedicated to research, transmission and creation. Included in the program, there will be exhibitions, conferences, concerts and artistic and scientific residencies . It will form a cultural bridge between the 19th and 21st century.

All throughout 2018, events are planned in Bougival and in Paris, as well as in the apartments of Pauline Viardot and at the Opéra Comique, to celebrate this remarkable cultural and musical heritage site.