Mus茅e des Augustins (Augustins Museum), Toulouse (must see)
The Augustins Museum (Mus茅e des Augustins) in Toulouse is a distinguished repository of fine arts showcasing an extensive collection of pieces dating from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. It is especially renowned for its remarkable assortment of Romanesque sculptures and comprehensive collection of paintings sourced from various regions of France, each emphasizing the richness of Occitan culture.
Originally constructed in 1309, the Gothic-style building served as the Augustinian convent of Toulouse before it was secularized in 1793 during the French Revolution. The convent was transformed into a museum and first opened its doors to the public on August 27, 1795, making it one of the oldest museums in France alongside the Louvre in Paris and the Museum of Fine Arts (Mus茅e des Beaux-Arts) in Besan莽on.
Throughout the 19th century, significant renovations and expansions were undertaken to accommodate the growing exhibits. The collections, now totaling over 4,000 works, primarily originate from the confiscation of church property during the French Revolution and the seizures of private collections from emigrants. These include notable artworks by the likes of Guercino, Pietro Perugino, Rubens, and Philippe de Champaigne.
Additionally, the Augustins Museum features a reconstructed medieval garden within its cloister, which was renovated to house the medieval collections acquired from Toulouse's demolished religious sites.
Originally constructed in 1309, the Gothic-style building served as the Augustinian convent of Toulouse before it was secularized in 1793 during the French Revolution. The convent was transformed into a museum and first opened its doors to the public on August 27, 1795, making it one of the oldest museums in France alongside the Louvre in Paris and the Museum of Fine Arts (Mus茅e des Beaux-Arts) in Besan莽on.
Throughout the 19th century, significant renovations and expansions were undertaken to accommodate the growing exhibits. The collections, now totaling over 4,000 works, primarily originate from the confiscation of church property during the French Revolution and the seizures of private collections from emigrants. These include notable artworks by the likes of Guercino, Pietro Perugino, Rubens, and Philippe de Champaigne.
Additionally, the Augustins Museum features a reconstructed medieval garden within its cloister, which was renovated to house the medieval collections acquired from Toulouse's demolished religious sites.
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Mus茅e des Augustins (Augustins Museum) on Map
Sight Name: Mus茅e des Augustins (Augustins Museum)
Sight Location: Toulouse, France (See walking tours in Toulouse)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Toulouse, France (See walking tours in Toulouse)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Toulouse, France
Create Your Own Walk in Toulouse
Creating your own self-guided walk in Toulouse is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches Tour
Toulouse's historical center is full of architectural marvels, many of which are churches. The variety of basilicas, cathedrals, and cloisters built in the city throughout the 11th-19th centuries is complemented by the richness of styles serving as a testament to both faith and craftsmanship.
The 12th-century Basilica of Saint Sernin is a masterpiece of Romanesque design. It's known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The 12th-century Basilica of Saint Sernin is a masterpiece of Romanesque design. It's known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Toulouse Markets and Shopping Streets
Like many other cities in France and Southern France in particular, Toulouse boasts a delightful array of shopping areas. At Galeries Lafayette, a renowned department store, you can find exclusive French items for sale - no problem; however, to discover some truly great bargains 鈥� from organic vegetables to antiques, 鈥� a visit to Toulouse's street markets is a must.
One of the most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
One of the most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Toulouse Introduction Walking Tour
Known affectionately as "The Pink City" (La Ville Rose) due to the terracotta bricks used in many of its buildings, the capital of the Occitania region of France 鈥� Toulouse 鈥� offers a blend of historical intrigue and modern dynamism. Originally known as Tolosa (the meaning of the name is unknown), it was established as a military outpost by the Romans in the 2nd century BC.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Architectural Jewels of Toulouse
It doesn't take an architectural expert to appreciate the beauty of Toulouse's historic buildings. Walking the city's streets one can't help admiring the galore of ancient architecture which has earned Toulouse, since as early as the 16th century, the title of "the most beautiful city in France".
Once a powerful provincial capital, Toulouse utilized its prosperity,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Once a powerful provincial capital, Toulouse utilized its prosperity,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Pub Crawl of Toulouse
There are some really great little pubs in Toulouse. This guide helps you find a few of the local favourites, one pint after the other. Discover good craic at Mulligans and The Killarney; be amazed at what's on tap at Bar l'Ancienne Belgique and Bar La Tireuse; and put the English back in...