The ARTEXPLORER catamaran, an innovative project combining art and sailing, has been awarded at the prestigious Boat International Design & Innovation Awards 2025. This unique museum ship, designed to democratize access to art and culture, has been named “Multihull of the Year.” Discover the details of this ambitious project and the reasons behind its success.
An Unprecedented Concept: The World’s First Museum Ship
The ARTEXPLORER catamaran, envisioned by entrepreneur and patron Frédéric Jousset, is the world’s first museum ship. Designed by architects Axel de Beaufort and Guillaume Verdier, this 47-meter-long and 18-meter-wide vessel is a true technological and artistic feat. With its mast reaching 55 meters and its 1,800 m² of sails, it hosts the Art Explora Festival, a traveling event that sails the seas and oceans to offer free artistic and cultural experiences.
Technical Specifications of the ARTEXPLORER Catamaran
| Dimension | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 47 meters |
| Width | 18 meters |
| Height (mast included) | 55 meters |
| Sail area | 1,800 m² |
| Construction yard | Perini Navi (Italy) |
| Architects | Axel de Beaufort and Guillaume Verdier |
A Traveling Festival to Democratize Art
The Art Explora Festival, hosted aboard the catamaran, aims to make art accessible to all. In 2024, it welcomed over 220,000 visitors during its stops in the Mediterranean, offering artistic performances, exhibitions, conferences, and free workshops. The festival also unfolds on land in host cities, with exhibition pavilions and convivial spaces.
Art Explora Festival Itinerary for 2024-2025
- 2024: La Valette (Malta), Venice (Italy), Marseille (France), Tangier (Morocco), Rabat (Morocco), Málaga (Spain)
- 2025: Durrës (Albania) from April 10 to 21, with other stops planned in 15 Mediterranean countries until 2027.
International Recognition
The ARTEXPLORER catamaran was awarded “Multihull of the Year” at the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards 2025, held on January 28, 2025, in Kitzbühel, Austria. This award recognizes its innovative design, naval architecture, and unique museum ship concept.
Frédéric Jousset, president and founder of the Art Explora Foundation, expressed his pride:
“We are very happy and proud to receive this award. This recognition is a great achievement for our teams and reflects our commitment to innovation and design in the world of yachting.”
The Art Explora Foundation: Committed to Cultural Access
The Art Explora Foundation, recognized as a public utility, has been working since 2019 to provide universal access to art and culture. Through innovative projects like the Art Explora Festival, it removes geographical, social, and financial barriers to reach the widest audience possible. Since its creation, the foundation has reached over 600,000 people in France and internationally.
Key Figures of the Art Explora Foundation
- Creation: 2019
- People Reached: Over 600,000
- Objective: Democratize access to art through mobility and digital innovation
A Project Carrying Strong Values
The ARTEXPLORER catamaran and the Art Explora Festival embody strong values:
- Accessibility: Free artistic experiences for all.
- Innovation: A unique museum ship concept.
- Sharing: A mission to unite audiences around art and culture.
This ambitious project continues to sail the Mediterranean, strengthening its role as a cultural bridge between countries and communities.