Musée des Tapisseries

About the museum

The museum is housed in the state rooms of the former palace of the Archbishops of Aix, a listed historic monument that housed several prelates until the early 20th century. Since 1909 it has displayed there a collection of 17th- and 18th-century tapestries, originally assembled by the archbishops and woven at the Royal Manufactory of Beauvais.

Three large tapestry series form the heart of the collection: “Les Grotesques,” after cartoons by Monnoyer inspired by the style of Jean Berain; “L'Histoire de Don Quichotte,” after Charles Natoire; and “Les Jeux russiens,” after Le Prince. A few antique pieces of furniture complete the rooms.

In 1949, Gabriel Dussurget set up an opera festival devoted to Mozart in the palace courtyard, which became one of Europe's best-known open-air theaters. Since 1990 the museum has turned to the performing arts. It holds the heritage collections of opera linked to the Festival d'Aix between 1949 and 1996: costumes, set elements and models created by major artists and set designers such as Cassandre, Balthus and Masson.

Highlights

• “Les Grotesques” tapestry (c. 1689), Beauvais Manufactory
• “L'Histoire de Don Quichotte” after Charles Natoire
• “Les Jeux russiens” after Le Prince (c. 1769)
• Costumes, sets and models from the Festival d'Aix (1949–1996)
• Palace courtyard, stage of the Festival d'Aix since 1949

Permanent exhibitions

• Tapisseries des XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles – The tapestries “Les Grotesques,” “L'Histoire de Don Quichotte” and “Les Jeux russiens,” woven at the Royal Manufactory of Beauvais.
• Collections du Festival d'Aix (1949-1996) – Costumes, set elements and models by major set designers, kept as part of the performing arts collections.

Founded

1909

Operated by

Ville d'Aix-en-Provence

Visitors per year

approx. 29,900

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of each month, in all the museums of the City of Aix-en-Provence.

Admission is €5 or €6 depending on the exhibition. Free with proof for under-26s, teachers at the École supérieure d'art Félix Ciccolini, recipients of the RSA, social assistance (CAF), the minimum old-age allowance (minimum vieillesse) or a disability pension, long-term unemployed people, holders of certain professional cards (ICOM, ICOMOS, press, Ministry of Culture, Culture card of Aix-Marseille University, disability card, CCAS of Aix card), members of the Friends of the Aix Museums and of some associations, licensed tour guides and holders of the Aix-en-Provence City Pass.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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's official page provides no information on accessibility. The rooms are on the second floor of the former palace.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

During school holidays, the City offers family visits to the museum, with mandatory registration; the program is published on the City's website. Admission is free for under-26s.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located in the historic center of Aix-en-Provence, on Place des Martyrs de la Résistance.

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