Ingres, Goya, Toulouse-Lautrec: the great museums of Midi-Pyrénées

In need of some colour? Head for the museums of the Midi-Pyrénées, housed in prestigious episcopal palaces and exhibiting the artwork of a number of great masters. With famous works by Toulouse-Lautrec inspired by Parisian nights in Albi, Spanish art at the Goya museum in Castres and the masterpieces of Ingres marked by the Italian Renaissance in Montauban, the region's museums are a real feast for the eyes!

Musée Toulouse-Lautrec, Albi (Tarn)

Birthplace of artist Toulouse-Lautrec, Albi is home to the largest collection of his works. Over 1,000 of his paintings, posters, sketches and lithographs are kept in the Palais de la Berbie, a 13th century fortress erected in the historical centre of the city.
The museum houses some of his most famous creations, including posters portraying “La Goulue” at the Moulin Rouge and “Aristide Bruant” in cafés-concert scenes. Exploring the different rooms of the museum, you will be immersed in the Bohemian night-life of late 19th century Paris. Theatres, cabarets and brothels draw the visitor into the wild universe of Montmartre, Toulouse-Lautrec’s main haunt. Beyond the artist's documentation of society of the time, the modernity with which he painted his contemporaries is remarkable. Rare indeed is the artist who expresses his characters with such great depths of humanity. An absolute must!
> For further information on the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec in Albi: please click here

Musée Goya, Castres (Tarn)

With its classical 17th century architecture and its gardens designed by Le Nôtre, the Castres Hôtel de Ville is the archetypal French-style palace. What could be more emblematic for exhibiting the works of neighbouring Spanish artists? From Francisco de Goya ("Self-portrait with spectacles", "The Junta of the Philippines"…) to Picasso ("Bust of a writing man"), exploring the great masters of the golden age (Velázquez, Murillo, Ribera…), Castres' Musée Goya pays homage to Iberican artists from Antiquity to the 20th century. With these prestigious works of art, the Musée Goya is home to one of France's largest collections dedicated to Hispanic art. Enough to make you an aficionado! 
> For further information on the Musée Goya in Castres: please click here

Musée Ingres, Montauban (Tarn-et-Garonne)

Montauban's Episcopal palace was constructed on Medieval fortifications in the 17th century and proudly displays its two towers and four floors. There is barely a room inside the building that is not dedicated to art. On the first floor, no less than 6 rooms are consecrated to one of the city's emblematic artists: Ingres. Admire the artist's paintings influenced by the Italian Renaissance, as well as portraits and works from his youth.

The ground floor pays homage to another local artist: Sculptor Antoine Bourdelle. Around 70 of his works are exhibited, starting with his portraits of Rodin and Rembrandt. Contemporary paintings, ceramics and archaeological collections - a host of objets d’art are to be discovered from the basement rooms up to the museum's chapel.
> For further information on the musée Ingres in Montauban: cliquez ici

Practical information:

For further information on the museums of Midi-Pyrénées, please see our "Major Museums" section and the new website for the Association des Conservateurs des Musées de Midi-Pyrénées: www.musees-midi-pyrenees.fr

To find accomodation near Montauban, Castres or Albi, please see our “Accommodation” section or contact our Midi-Pyrénées Vacances Loisirs (MPVL) holiday-advisors:
 > By email: booking@mpvl.org
 > By phone: +33 (0)5 34 25 05 28

Copyrights: Musée Toulouse Lautrec d'Albi, Musée Goya de Castres, Musée Ingres de Montauban