Maison familiale d'Henri Matisse
Childhood home of the painter Henri Matisse in Bohain-en-Vermandois: former family seed shop, history of the local textile industry and a reconstructed studio.
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About the museum
The house is where Henri Matisse grew up. His parents opened a seed shop (graineterie) in Bohain in 1870, in a town then growing rapidly thanks to the textile industry and close to the Belgian border. The painter grew up surrounded by seeds, colors and fabrics. After studying law in Paris, he returned in 1888 following an appendicitis attack; during his convalescence, his mother gave him his first paint box. He then chose painting over the family business and a legal career, and from 1891 he studied at the Académie Julian in Paris.
The museum holds the “Maison des Illustres” label. The visit presents the former seed shop with its period machines, the machine room and the history of the local textile industry. The route also covers the painter's childhood, a reconstructed artist's studio, a typical Picardy bedroom from the early 20th century and furniture belonging to the painter. A playful seed trail invites children to discover the work of Matisse's parents.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. A town trail with floor markings and an audio guide links the places associated with Matisse. The museum is run by the municipality of Bohain-en-Vermandois.
Highlights
- Former family seed shop with period machines
- History of the textile industry in Bohain
- Reconstructed artist's studio and early 20th-century Picardy bedroom
- Playful seed trail for children
- Free audio guide and town trail following in Matisse's footsteps
Permanent exhibitions
- Graineterie familiale et salle des machines – The former seed shop and machine room show the trade of Matisse's parents.
- Enfance de Matisse et industrie textile – A route covering local history, the painter's childhood, Bohain's textile industry and Matisse's furniture.
- Atelier d’artiste et chambre picarde – A reconstructed artist's studio and a typical Picardy bedroom from the early 20th century.
- Operated by
- Commune de Bohain-en-Vermandois
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2Children aged 8 to 12 |
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 7 · Free for children under 8; €2 for ages 8 to 12; €4 from age 12. |
| Families | €10Family pass for 2 adults and 2 children under 15. |
| Family pass (2 adults and 2 children under 15) | €10 |
The audio guide is free. Groups can choose from several visit formats; group rates are not published.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 7 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €10 · Family pass for 2 adults and 2 children under 15. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Kids’ birthday parties
Family pass at €10, creative and artistic workshops for children on nature, color and shape inspired by Matisse, and birthday parties at the museum. A playful trail in the former seed shop presents the trade of Matisse's parents.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Free parking near the museum, easy to access.
Amenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Free-access museum shop and the “Café Couleurs” on site.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The audio guide for the town trail is free. Group and school visits by reservation with the education team. The museum recommends dressing warmly, as part of the building is not heated. |
