Colette, an Elder Sister

A Place Steeped in Poetry in Essonne

Nestled in Milly-la-Forêt, the Maison Jean Cocteau is far more than a museum: it is a living place that has remained faithful to the poet’s world. Ancienne demeure acquired in 1947, it preserves the intimate atmosphere in which Cocteau created, surrounded by objects, works and memories. Step into the artist’s daily life, between garden, lived-in rooms and exhibition trail!

This saison 2026 d’avril à novembre, particularly shines a spotlight on a new exhibition devoted to one of the notable figures in his circle: Colette, a great French writer of the 20th century.

A Unique Literary Friendship

The exhibition “Colette, an Elder Sister” traces plus de cinquante années d’une relation singular between Jean Cocteau et Colette, blending fascination, admiration and intellectual companionship.

It all begins in 1903, when the young Cocteau discovered Colette at the Palais de Glace in Paris, already a figure libre et audacieuse de la Belle Époque. At first captivated, over the years he developed a profound relationship with the writer. In the 1930s, their closeness deepened, particularly thanks to their proximity at the Palais-Royal, where they shared walks, conversations and correspondence.

Beyond their differences, their bond rested on mutual admiration and the same creative freedom. In Colette’s final years, Cocteau proved especially attentive, illustrating a relationship that was almost sibling-like, true to the title of the exhibition.

Rare Works and Archives

To tell the story of this extraordinary relationship, the Maison Jean Cocteau has brought together a collection of œuvres et de documents exceptionnels. The exhibition trail notably features drawings, photographs, handwritten letters, quotations and audiovisual archives that testify to their artistic dialogue over time.

Among the major pieces, a portrait de Colette created by Jean Cocteau in 1944, executed in charcoal and flour, exceptionally loaned by the Centre Pompidou, is unveiled. This œuvre emblématique reveals the full power of the artist’s gaze upon his friend.

The exhibition also includes an excerpt from a documentaire de Yannick Bellon, offering a vivid meeting between the two creators and allowing their exchanges to be heard. Between graphic works, correspondence and images, this immersive exhibition reveals the many facets of a dialogue between two “sacred monsters” of French culture.