Closing date July issue -> May 19
Citroën SM fifty-five years: temporary exhibition at the Louwman Museum
The Louwman Museum in The Hague is on display from May 14 to May 25, 2026, Citroën The SM takes center stage, 55 years after its introduction. This results in a compact exhibition centered on a car that still occupies a unique place within the automotive landscape of the seventies.
The exhibition, titled 55 years of Citroën SM, is composed with the Citroën SM Club Netherlands is on display in the Great Hall of the museum. The exhibition brings together diverse versions: from state transport and a car with a famous owner to special body variants and a modern interpretation of the design.
Special versions in a single configuration
One of the most striking cars is the Citroën SM Présidentielle, an extended four-door convertible by Chapron that was used for years for official state visits by French presidents. Also the Citroën Johan Cruyff's SM is part of the exhibition; during his time at FC Barcelona, he drove it daily.
In addition, there is a strong focus on variants that are normally rarely seen together. This selection includes the Mylord convertible, the Opéra sedan, and the Espace with a slatted roof. The sporty side of the model is also featured with the SM Race, while the SM Frua showcases the Italian design influence within the SM story.
That variation suits the background of the model itself. The Citroën The SM was introduced in 1970 as a combination of French design and Maserati engineering. It is precisely this mix that explains why so many special versions and interpretations have emerged around the SM.
Among the historical versions stands the modern SM Tribute. As a result, the exhibition is not limited to the original production years, but also shows how the design of the SM has continued to influence later interpretations.
The exhibition can be visited at the Louwman Museum in The Hague from May 14 to May 25, 2026.
Some more reading material
Whoever, after this story, Citroën If you want to read on with SM Louwman, you can go here.
The SM remains a dream car for me, although I would rather admire it than own it. Beautiful to look at, but less soothing for the wallet, I suspect.
Time to dust off the museum annual pass and head over to Ros & Iba Village / duh, The Hague.
I am curious if that SM Tribute is just as convincing in real life as it is in photos.
Seeing the Présidentielle and Cruijff's car together is not something that happens every week. The Louwman has really struck gold with that.
That combination of Citroën And Maserati remains fascinating. Genius and complex at the same time; that is precisely why such a car still captures the imagination so much.
I gladly make a detour for SM.
Johan has had at least 2 SMs..
So the car on display is not THE Citroën SM by the late Mr. Cruijff…it is ONE.
It remains a fantastic car with a sensitive engine, where the sodium-filled valves in particular caused problems.
I remember Peugeot putting out a big newspaper article in around 1980/81, saying that they were finally 'freed' from the claims obligation/aftercare.
It was THE GT of Citroën, that baton was later passed to the CX GT(I).
Also a beautiful car.
“”””Eight SMs will be showcased in the main hall of the Louwman Museum. Including Johan Cruyff’s first SM. And the 2024 DS SM Tribute will also be there. Sublime!!””
This can be read via the link.
So it is Cruyff's first SM