Musée Georges-Labit

About the museum

Georges Labit (1862–1899), a passionate traveller with an interest in ethnology, art history and the history of religions, founded the museum in 1893 to display objects brought back from his journeys. After his death his father kept the collection, then bequeathed it to the city of Toulouse in 1912.

The building was designed at Georges Labit’s request by the Toulouse architect Jules Calbairac, in a style inspired by Moorish architecture, typical of the exotic villas of the period. It is surrounded by a botanical garden that brings together plants from Asia and the Mediterranean, not far from the Canal du Midi.

From the 1930s the collection, initially very varied, was refocused on Asian art. In 1948 new Asian pieces and an Egyptian ensemble joined the museum. The Asian holdings are among the richest in France and cover Japan, China, Tibet, Southeast Asia, India and Nepal. In 2024 the Egyptian collection was transferred to the Musée Saint-Raymond, Toulouse’s archaeology museum.

The museum is currently closed for works and no reopening date has been announced.

Highlights

• Asian art collections: Japan, China, India, Southeast Asia, the Himalayas and Mongolia
• Moorish-style villa built for the founder
• Botanical garden with Asian and Mediterranean plants
• Location near the Canal du Midi

Founded

1893

Operated by

Ville de Toulouse

Visitors per year

approx. 42,090

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month, for all visitors

Prices in force before the closure for works, to be checked on reopening. Three-museum pass: €8, personal, valid for one year, for three entries to the permanent collections of the city’s museums or archaeological sites. Also free for holders of the Musée Libre card at weekends, the Mairie de Toulouse–Tisséo senior card, and accompanied school and university groups.

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

For accessibility questions, the museum invites visitors to contact its visitor services department.

Kids & families

The museum is currently closed for works; the reopening date has not yet been announced.

Getting there & parking

Vélô Toulouse bike stations are on Boulevard Monplaisir (no. 114) and Allées des Demoiselles (no. 98).

Amenities & dining

The museum is currently closed for works; the reopening date has not yet been announced.

Events & venue rental

The museum is currently closed for works; the reopening date has not yet been announced.