Musée-fondation Louis-Jou

About the museum

Louis Jou (1881–1968), originally from Catalonia, was one of the great typographers of the 20th century. Engraver, printer and publisher, but also draftsman, painter, sculptor and ceramicist, he designed and produced complete books himself. He drew and cast his own typefaces and decorated some of the bindings of books that came off his presses. His influence shaped the development of the contemporary book.

Louis Jou settled in Les Baux-de-Provence, where he restored the Hôtel Jean de Brion, a 16th-century ensemble. This restoration contributed to the preservation of the village. In 1939 he set up a personal printing workshop there, where he printed his own prints on a hand press.

The Fondation Louis Jou looks after his work, his collections and his estate. After major renovation work, the museum, the workshop and the library occupy the Hôtel Jean de Brion. Six rooms present, as in a private house, works by Louis Jou among his furniture and collections: incunabula, old books, prints by Dürer and Goya, paintings, sculptures and ceramics. The visit is completed by the workshop where his hand presses are installed.

Highlights

• Six rooms in the Renaissance Hôtel Jean de Brion
• Works by Louis Jou, typographer, engraver and publisher
• Incunabula, old books and prints by Dürer and Goya
• Workshop with Louis Jou's hand presses
• Foundation library, normally closed to the public

Permanent exhibition

• Œuvres et collections de Louis Jou – Six rooms of the Hôtel Jean de Brion present his works, furniture and collections of old books, prints and art objects, as well as the workshop with its hand presses.

Operated by

Fondation Louis Jou

Visitors per year

approx. 2,982

Admission & discounts

The museum's regular opening hours are not confirmed; contact the Foundation before your visit.

Accessibility

The museum's regular opening hours are not confirmed; contact the Foundation before your visit.

Kids & families

The museum's regular opening hours are not confirmed; contact the Foundation before your visit.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located at Grand’Rue Frédéric Mistral, in the Hôtel Jean de Brion, in Les Baux-de-Provence.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop according to the regional tourist office listing.

Events & venue rental

The museum's regular opening hours are not confirmed; contact the Foundation before your visit.

Plan your visit