Villa Sauber is currently hosting “Cactus” exhibition that delves into the enduring botanical and artistic fascination with nature’s most resilient plants. Running from July 6th until January 11th, 2026, this comprehensive exhibition explores the multifaceted world of cacti.
A collaborative and diverse display
Developed in collaboration with the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech, “Cactus” brings together over 200 objects. The exhibition features a diverse array of items, including historical specimens, contemporary artworks, and living plant displays, offering a rich and immersive experience for visitors.
The ingenuity of cacti: Survival in harsh environments
The Cactaceae family encompasses a vast number of species, all of which have developed extraordinary features to conserve water and thrive in harsh conditions. These adaptations include wavy coatings, volume-optimized structures, and leaves transformed into spines, showcasing nature’s remarkable ingenuity.
Cacti in art: From ancient codices to modern installations
Beyond their scientific importance, cacti have long captivated the artistic imagination. The exhibition showcases this artistic legacy through works spanning from pre-Columbian codices to contemporary installations. The interwar period, in particular, proved a fertile ground for cactus art, coinciding with increased accessibility to these plants and the emergence of amateur collecting societies.
Expanding beyond the walls: Gardens of resilience
The “Cactus” exhibition extends beyond the traditional museum space, transforming Villa Sauber’s own gardens into a dedicated cactus display, with the valuable assistance of Monaco’s Exotic Garden. The exhibition also highlights other significant cactus gardens, including Monaco’s Exotic Garden (established in the 1930s), the iconic Majorelle Garden in Marrakech, and César Manrique’s cactus garden in Lanzarote.
Environmental concerns and symbols of resilience
The exhibition also addresses critical environmental concerns facing cactus populations, such as emerging diseases and the threat of illegal harvesting, which endanger the survival of many species. In an era of climate change, cacti have become powerful symbols of resilience, with artists frequently using their imagery to explore themes of survival and adaptation.
