Musée Granet

About the museum

The museum was born in the early 19th century in Aix-en-Provence: a first institution was created in 1828 in the priory of the Hospitallers of Saint-Jean-de-Malte and opened to the public in 1838. Its founding collection was largely made up of antiquities gathered at the end of the 18th century by a local scholar.

The painter François Marius Granet, born in Aix, bequeathed his paintings and drawings to his native city in 1849; the museum has borne his name ever since. Other major bequests followed, such as that of more than 800 works in 1863. Several buildings were added from 1860, then after 1870, in 1900 and around 1940.

Major renovation work took place between 1990 and 2005, and the museum reopened in summer 2006. In 1984 the State deposited nine paintings by Paul Cézanne; a group of 20th-century paintings then came through a private donation. Since 2013 the chapel of the Pénitents blancs, known as Granet XXe, has housed the Jean Planque collection, deposited by a foundation.

The collections cover regional archaeology, with pieces from the oppidum of Entremont, ancient Egypt, and sculpture and painting from the 15th to the 20th century.

Highlights

• Remains of the oppidum of Entremont, including the seated Salluvian warrior
• 19th-century Egyptian collection
• Nine paintings by Paul Cézanne
• Old master paintings, including works by Rembrandt, Ingres and Le Nain
• Granet XXe: Jean Planque collection in the chapel of the Pénitents blancs

Founded

1838

Visitors per year

approx. 488,775

Admission & discounts

The full price of €14 includes the temporary exhibition on view. Free admission is also available, with proof, for long-term job seekers and recipients of the RSA, members of ICOM and ICOMOS, holders of a press card, licensed guides, and members of the Amis du musée Granet. Workshops cost €7 to €10 depending on length.

Accessibility

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

The museum holds the Tourisme & Handicap label for all four types of disability at both of its sites. Step-free entrance for visitors with reduced mobility at 18 rue Roux-Alphéran. Six raised-line reproductions of paintings with audio commentary are on display. An easy-to-read and easy-to-understand visit booklet in French is available. Guided tours are equipped with induction loops.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Family workshops, family guided tours, and “Mes vacances au musée” workshops for ages 6 to 12 during the holidays. Three free activity booklets for children from age 7 are available at the desks: on discovering the collections, the current exhibition, and the theme of Egypt. Only umbrella-style strollers are allowed, with restrictions at busy times; soft baby carriers can be lent.

Getting there & parking

Address: Place Saint-Jean-de-Malte; step-free entrance at 18 rue Roux-Alphéran.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

Free cloakroom for coats, bags and umbrellas; suitcases and large luggage are not accepted. Museum bookshop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit