The upcoming renovated Despiau-Wlérick Museum in Mont-de-Marsan is beginning to showcase its future exhibition layout through the 12th edition of Mont-de-Marsan Sculptures festival. The event, running from October 4 to November 2, 2025, serves as a preview of how the museum will present its collection once renovation work is complete.

As part of the festival's outdoor exhibitions, a sculpture titled "Athena" on loan from artist Christophe Charbonnel will remain in place until the museum's official reopening. According to the festival's curators, this piece will eventually find its permanent home in the museum's new garden space, which is part of the comprehensive renovation plans.

The Despiau-Wlérick Museum, originally established in 1968, is currently undergoing an extensive three-year renovation project. Construction work officially began on March 17, marking the start of a major transformation that had been delayed by two years from its original timeline.

The sculpture festival provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience how artworks will be integrated into both the indoor galleries and outdoor spaces of the renovated museum. This preview approach allows the public to understand the museum's new curatorial vision while the actual renovation work continues behind the scenes.