Opelvillen Rüsselsheim

Hélène de Beauvoir (1910-2001) was long overshadowed by her sister Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986) - one of the great intellectuals of the 20th century and an icon of the women's movement. There is no doubt that Simone de Beauvoir influenced Hélène's life and work in a very profound way, yet the painter's work stands alone. In the exhibition "Hélène de Beauvoir. Seeing with different eyes", the forgotten artist and her multi-layered work will be reassessed.

The Opelvillen is presenting the first museum exhibition on the work of the painter Hélène de Beauvoir in Germany. With 177 works on loan from the years 1925 to 1994, the entire range of her oeuvre is honored with engravings, watercolours, acrylic paintings and oil paintings, focusing on previously unconsidered themes. For Hélène de Beauvoir, art was clearly an act of liberation: she exposed dominant role models and drew attention to the situation of women in a clearly understandable visual language. Previously unknown paintings are now proving to be key works. The high-caliber loans come from France, Italy, Germany, England and Switzerland.

The Opel villas are idyllically situated on the banks of the River Main, nestled between Verna Park and Rüsselsheim Fortress. The extensive green spaces around the building and the art trail on the banks of the Main invite you to take a walk before or after your visit to the exhibition. A visit to the Main Terrace with a view of the river is also worthwhile, especially in the warmer months.

Photo: Self-portrait from 1955 (detail), Ute Achhammer, APP, Photo: Christian Kempf

2for1 tickets for the exhibition "Hélène de Beauvoir: Seeing with different eyes" in the Opelvillen Rüsselsheim (regular Tue-Fri 8 €; Sun, Sun & public holidays 10 €; free admission up to 18 years)

until 8.2.2026 (opening hours: Tue + Thu-Sun 10am-6pm & Wed 10am-8pm; on public holidays 10am-6pm)

Opelvillen Rüsselsheim, Ludwig-Dörfler-Allee 9, Rüsselsheim

Download the CITY CARD voucher (yellow star), print it out and hand it in at the museum ticket office when you enter.