Musée Goya

About the museum

The episcopal palace of Castres was built between 1665 and 1673 on the banks of the Agout, on the site of a former Benedictine abbey, for Bishop de Tubeuf. It was designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in a classical style, simple and symmetrical. From 1676, Bishop de Maupéou had a French formal garden laid out, completed around 1700, opened to the public in the early 19th century and listed as a historic monument in 1995. The town bought the palace in 1794 to house the town hall.

The museum was founded in 1840 on the upper floor of the palace with nine paintings, and was given three additional rooms in 1887. Over the 19th century it turned towards Hispanic art. In 1894, Pierre Briguiboul bequeathed nearly 80 works, including three paintings by Goya bought in Madrid by his father, Marcel Briguiboul. In 1947, the curator Gaston Poulain added Goya’s name to that of the museum.

In 1949, the Louvre lent works by Velázquez and Murillo. In 2020 the town began a renovation and extension project covering the roof, façade, interiors, accessibility, lighting and galleries. The museum reopened on April 15, 2023, after three years closed.

The collections consist mainly of Spanish paintings, sculptures and works on paper, complemented by French paintings, coins and weapons. The museum is also opening up to contemporary art.

Highlights

• Three paintings by Goya, including “Autoportrait aux lunettes”
• Works by Velázquez and Murillo, lent by the Louvre
• Episcopal palace designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart
• French formal garden, listed as a historic monument
• Tactile version of Goya’s self-portrait for blind and visually impaired visitors

Permanent exhibition

• Peintures espagnoles et collection Goya – The route brings together Spanish paintings, sculptures and works on paper, including three works by Goya and loans from the Louvre.

Founded

1840

Operated by

Ville de Castres

Visitors per year

approx. 41,962

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month (except in summer), Museum Night and European Heritage Days

Also free with proof for members of the Amis des musées de Castres, holders of the ICOM card, journalists, guides, job seekers and recipients of the RSA, school group escorts, and artists of the Maison des Artistes. Reduced rate for holders of a liO train or coach ticket or a partner-museum ticket.

Accessibility

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

The museum has held the Tourisme et Handicap label since 2025. Entry is through the courtyard, which has a ramp; access through the garden is not usable because of the gravel and steps. Lifts serve the route, and a wheelchair is lent at reception. Two reserved parking spaces are about 50 m away (place du 8 mai 1945) and about 100 m away (corner of rue Barral). A tactile version of Goya’s “Autoportrait aux lunettes” is presented in room 11. Magnifying glasses and noise-cancelling headphones are lent on request; guided tours in French Sign Language must be booked at least two months in advance, and easy-to-read booklets are available.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly

Discovery booklets for ages 3 to 6 and ages 7 to 12, a treasure hunt for children under 12 and a self-guided kit with four works are available free at reception. An audio guide for children is offered. Interactive tours for children and families take place during zone C school holidays. The museum belongs to the Môm’Art network.

Getting there & parking

From Toulouse, allow about 1 hour 20 minutes via the A68, exit 2, then the D112; from Albi, about 45 minutes via the D612.

Amenities & dining

Ten benches are spread along the route.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit