The Art of Intergenerational Connection at the LAM Museum

Our On Seniors’ Side Foundation brings culture to life at LaM.

Launched at the heart of the recently renovated LaM museum in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, the "Silver Friday" project served as an opportunity to break the isolation of older adults and forge intergenerational bonds through art.

When the museum becomes a place for exchange

The LaM’s "Silver Friday" initiative aims to offer visitors aged 65 and over completely free museum access every Friday, accompanied by a specially tailored cultural program. Designed to restore the place of older adults within cultural spaces, the project also opens its doors to grandchildren during school holidays—a novel approach. The goal is to foster the transmission of culture and stimulate cognitive activity, while combating isolation among seniors.

A creative immersion shared by young and old alike.

The Foundation’s teams were on-site to see this project in action.

The agenda for this memorable afternoon featured an enriching cultural session (offering fun, accessible insights into several of the museum’s major works) followed immediately by hands-on creative workshops. Participants tried their hand at reproducing artworks and experimenting with unique techniques like engraving and painting on polystyrene, allowing everyone to take home their own creation. Above all, what stands out most is the shared laughter, the spontaneous mutual support, and the clear bond between the young people and the older participants.

Comments from participants captured on the spot:

"Very enriching; as the eldest, I finally see in concrete terms what they do and what they enjoy."

"Very enriching; as the eldest, I finally see in concrete terms what they do and what they enjoy."

"Kudos to the Foundation; it is invaluable help that enables us to share these moments."

A themed Friday focused on portraiture, in the company of the project's patron.

As a testament to the initiative's success and longevity, we returned to the LaM on another Friday for an equally inspiring session—this time accompanied by Julie Cadorin, Group Research Manager at Damartex and a proud, committed patron of the project. A close-knit group of 15 young people and their older counterparts gathered to explore the captivating theme of portraiture.

Guided by an enthusiastic lecturer, the participants wandered through the collections, analyzing and uncovering the secrets behind painted portraits. The themed tour concluded with an art workshop where both young and old could unleash their creativity, continuing to explore the theme of the portrait.