Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, Albi, France is your ideal place if you are fond of art or are curious about that amazing world.In this museum you will find the most important collection in the world of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. You will be dazzled to discover what this artist’s life was like through his paintings and drawings embodied in the most beautiful corner of Albi, his hometown. In addition, you can not miss the beautiful views towards the gardens and the river.
Things to Do
Berbie Palace
It’s an old palace in the southwest of France, which is the perfect setting that protects one of the art collections of Toulouse-Lautrec, most appreciated in the country. This palace is located on the banks of the Tarn River in Albi. Take a relaxing walk through the beautiful formal gardens of the riverside. The incredible contrast of the gardens and the palace is simply amazing and imposing.
The Collections
Henri’s mother donated her entire collection after her death in 1901. So, now you can admire a very varied collection of more than a thousand drawings and paintings of children’s sketches, vibrant portraits and colorful posters full of life. You will also have the opportunity to see La Goulue, “el Glotón”, one of the works for which Toulouse-Lautrec is best known. The museum has a variety of works to admire, from paintings and drawings about his family and friends, his childhood, to risque images of Parisian clubs in Pigalle, the world of prostitutes. In addition, there is a collection of almost 40 works representing circus artists.
The Lounges
This great palace where the museum is located is very spacious and contains an infinity of rooms full of all the works of this genius. The rooms are quite spacious and ventilated. Also, its high and imposing carefully shaded windows guarantee a beautiful natural light, which of course, also protects the drawings and paintings of these much-appreciated collections. On the other hand, in terms of its architecture, it contains vintage parquet floors and vaulted ceilings of painted bricks. In addition, you can admire one of the 13 most important glazed terracotta pavements of the century.
How to get there
Albi is 48 miles (77 km) northeast of Toulouse by road. The nearest airport to the museum is Albi Le Séquestre Airport (LBI), about 5 minutes away. It is located in Place Sainte-Cécile.
When to go
Spring, autumn, and winter are the best times to visit, with fewer tourists.
How long
The museum is very large, so if you want to admire and know all the works it will take you at least 3 hours.
Opening and Closing Hours
During the months of January, February, March, November, and December the opening hours are from 10 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 5:30 pm. In April, May, and October they close at 6 pm. While in June and September it is from 9 am to 6 pm.
Planning
Albi has excellent food, and the wines of the nearby Gaillac AOC are gaining recognition: light reds, roses and a semi-sweet and slightly sparkling wine called perlé. Le Vieil Alby, a small hotel on 25 rue Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, also has a good restaurant; The reservation is essential. On the other hand, you can visit the gardens without spending money. However, the entrance to the museum is € 10. There are promotions for children, students, and families.
Inside Information
In some rooms of the museum, objects such as crutches, baby cars, umbrellas or luggage are not allowed. Therefore, with your ticket, you have the right to a small wardrobe where you can leave your things while doing the tour. For people with reduced mobility, wheelchairs can be requested at reception. In addition, you can rent an audio guide for € 4. In the gift shop, you have different options such as books, stationery, objects, and maps.
History
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was born not far away in the old district of Albi in 1864. As a child he lived with a bone disease, so he was immobilized for a long period of time, which he spent drawing and painting. His passion for posters made him one of the precursors of the poster of the twentieth century. It was his mother, Countess Adèle de Toulouse-Lautrec, who donated the collection, the entire contents of his study, after his death in 1901, at age 36 due to alcohol abuse.
Websites
Other Nearby Attractions
Marsella
This is the most populous city in France after Paris. Without a doubt, despite being an ancient city, it has eventually become one of the favorite destinations for tourists on the French coast. You can not miss a walk through the heart of the city, the Old Port. Thousands of boats enter the urban fabric of the city as you walk along the shore. You can take a boat and arrive at Le Panier, the place of fashion and art museums. In addition, very close you will find the new Marseille, a new city with several impressive museums or skyscrapers.
Lyon
This beautiful city is one of the most striking destinations in France. It is from the oldest cities, although it is impossible for you to get bored. You can tour this place in 2 days, starting with the Fourvière neighborhood, where you climb a beautiful hill that offers you the best views of the city. In addition, here you will also find the world-famous Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Inside you will be breathless to see the amazing decoration with golden mosaics and a viewpoint from the tower. On the other hand, you can take a walk through the Rosario Gardens and fill yourself with natural life.
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