Musée Bernard-Palissy

About the museum

In the hamlet of Saint-Avit, in the commune of Lacapelle-Biron, stands the house where the Renaissance potter and scientist Bernard Palissy is presumed to have been born. No document confirms this birth, but several consistent clues make it plausible. From 1985 onwards, volunteers organised a pottery fair to support local development through culture and tourism; it quickly became one of the largest in south-western France.

From this momentum came the Musée municipal Bernard-Palissy, opened on July 2, 1992. The commune and the Friends of the Museum association, which runs the site's activities, set two aims: to present the life and work of Palissy, and to make the museum a living venue for contemporary ceramics. In 1995, the making available of the presumed birthplace allowed exhibitions by leading contemporary ceramicists to be developed.

The museum now holds one of the largest public collections of contemporary ceramics in France, with more than 450 works. It comes mainly from purchases made at the annual exhibitions and the Palissy prizes of the fair, supplemented by gifts from artists, collectors and friends of the museum.

Highlights

• Permanent display on the life and work of Bernard Palissy
• More than 450 works of contemporary ceramics
• Annual exhibition and sale of contemporary ceramicists
• Saint-Avit hamlet with medieval and Renaissance architecture
• Pottery fair every summer

Permanent exhibition

• Espace permanent Bernard Palissy – Permanent display on the life and work of the Renaissance potter Bernard Palissy, in the hamlet where he is said to have been born.

Founded

1992

Operated by

Commune de Lacapelle-Biron, avec l’association des Amis du musée Bernard-Palissy

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

The museum can welcome some people with disabilities, but staircases make access difficult. It is essential to contact the museum before the visit to discuss the conditions.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The hamlet of Saint-Avit lies between the villages of Gavaudun and Lacapelle-Biron, reached via the RD 150. Distances given by the museum: Villeneuve-sur-Lot 35 km, Bergerac 45 km, Agen 65 km, Bordeaux and Toulouse 150 km. The hamlet is on the GR 636 and at the junction of several hiking loops.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit