Musée Clément Ader et les Grands Hommes

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1930 during the term of Vincent Auriol, then mayor of Muret and future President of the Republic. Since June 10, 2011 it has occupied the residence of this statesman: an Art Deco villa designed by the architect Patrice Bonnet from Ariège, Grand Prix de Rome winner in 1906.

The route tells the story of the town and pays tribute to the people who shaped it. The first room recalls the Battle of Muret of 1213, with loans from the Musée national du château de Versailles, including a portrait of Simon de Montfort. The archaeology room presents excavations carried out in the Muretain and the Savès between 1843 and 2009, from prehistory to the industrial age.

Other rooms are devoted to the composer Nicolas Dalayrac, with a reconstructed small 18th-century theatre, and to Marshal Niel, with historical souvenirs and 19th-century decorative arts. Clément Ader, a pioneer of aviation, has a room with his personal belongings and pieces linked to his inventions, as well as a space on telephony. Finally, Vincent Auriol's former library, the only room in the villa to keep its original decor, traces his political career and presidential journeys.

Highlights

• Battle of Muret room (1213), with loans from the Château de Versailles, including a portrait of Simon de Montfort
• Clément Ader room: personal belongings and pieces linked to his inventions (velocipede, automobile, aircraft, théâtrophone)
• Vincent Auriol's former library, the only room in the villa to keep its original decor
• Nicolas Dalayrac room with a reconstructed small 18th-century theatre and musical extracts
• Archaeology of the Muretain and the Savès, from prehistory to the industrial age

Permanent exhibitions

• Collections permanentes : la bataille de Muret et l'archéologie du Muretain – Rooms on the 1213 battle, with loans from the Château de Versailles, and on the archaeological excavations of the Muretain and the Savès.
• Les Grands Hommes : Dalayrac, maréchal Niel, Clément Ader, Vincent Auriol – Rooms devoted to Muret's notable figures: the composer Nicolas Dalayrac, Marshal Niel, the aviation pioneer Clément Ader and President Vincent Auriol.

Founded

1930

Operated by

Ville de Muret

Director

Christophe Marquez

Admission & discounts

The individual rate is €4. A combined rate with the temporary exhibition is offered at €5.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the accessibility guide of the Muretain urban area, the museum has a lift and toilets equipped for people with reduced mobility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum runs workshops for young visitors, by registration (for example a workshop for ages 8–12 in summer 2026).

Getting there & parking

Muret is 25 km south-west of Toulouse, reached via the A64. The museum is in the historic centre, near the church of Saint-Jacques.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

On-site shop, picnic area and coach parking according to the Tourisme Occitanie listing.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit