Musée Calvet

The building and the collection together form one of the most poetic and historically rich places in Avignon.
The Avignon School is celebrated there, with a panorama of Avignon's artistic creation from the Renaissance to the Revolution.
Paintings, sculptures and art objects allow visitors to better understand the richness of this production from the 16th to the 17th century with works by Simon de Châlons, Nicolas Mignard, Reynaud Levieux and Pierre Mignard, as well as works from the 17th and early 18th centuries.
More broadly, the museum's painting collection presents works ranging from the 15th to the 20th century.
Sculptures are also exhibited with works by C. Claudel, Francesco Laurana, Jame Pardier etc.
Marcel Puech Donation: furniture, earthenware, bronzes, etc.
Egyptian collection presented in three rooms.

Free audio guides in French and English are available for the Egyptian collections, the Northern Masters (Flemish, German, Dutch paintings and sculptures from the 16th-18th centuries), the Victor Martin room (paintings and sculptures from the late 19th-20th centuries) and the Saint Priest rooms (Avignon paintings and sculptures from the 16th-18th centuries).

The Vernet Gallery: Dedicated to the illustrious dynasty of Avignon artists, this room, one of the most prodigious in the museum, is currently undergoing renovation. The public will find it in the light of a completely revised lighting system, promoting the highlighting of the works and the comfort of visitors.
From masterpiece to masterpiece, from H. Vernet to Vien, Peyron, Regnault, David, Vigée Le Brun, Chassériau, Géricault, Manet, Corot, Sisley, a new exhibition will open the chapter of a history of art between classicism, romanticism, realism and impressionism.

GARDEN
In his “Memoirs of a Tourist” Stendhal describes “the large trees of the garden”, a garden which, from its origins in 1754, consisted of a large flowerbed with a pond and fountain in the centre.
Over time, the garden has evolved and significant changes have been made to it alongside the establishment's expansions. The construction of the East Wing in 1902, for example, eliminated the green groves that had previously occupied this entire section.
In 2010, excavations revealed the central basin with a water jet, as well as another basin with a nymphaeum, supplied by hydraulic water collection and distribution systems, as well as the presence of Provençal species making up the plant part of the garden.
It is according to the original plans and layouts that the City of Avignon decided in 2021 to renovate this exceptional garden.
of our city center.
Goldsmith's work for a case
By restoring the central basin and the southern fountain, we are allowing the gardens of the Calvet Museum to regain their original appearance.
The stone coping stones from Estaillades (Vaucluse), the stone basins from Verfeuil (Gard), are all elements from local craftsmen serving to enhance this living space.
Four lawned flowerbeds surrounded by steel railings and myrtle hedges adapted to the local climate, or 8 hackberry trees and 12 orange trees complete the rockery areas, which will house magnificent moss beds, thus giving the garden exceptional plant and environmental quality.
LED strips and lanterns illuminate the garden. The fountains' technical room, operating in a closed circuit, is buried and will help maintain the landscape balance of this place.

JOYFUL MUSEUM LABEL
Since October 14, 2022, the “Musée Joyeux” label has been awarded to the Calvet and Lapidaire museums, the Antiques gallery of the Calvet museum. It is thanks to the City's adherence to the Môm'Art charter, of the eponymous association, that this label commits these first two museums to an active quality approach towards young visitors and their families.
With the free admission to museums implemented by the City in 2018, this policy of accessibility in municipal cultural facilities was already promoted through tools such as activities, workshops, and other game booklets (very popular).
But with this label, the City goes further and develops a cultural initiative dedicated specifically to welcoming families. It thus subscribes to the “10 rights of the young visitor”: the right to visit at their own pace, to close their eyes, to sit down, to copy and above all… to ask questions!
Welcome to your museums!

THE “DISCOVERY” BOX
In the Victor Martin room, discover “La Boîte de Camille” (Camille’s Box) to explore a work from the museum: “Jeune Romain” or “Mon frère” (My Brother) by Camille Claudel. You will find “discovery sheets” to learn more about shapes, the lost-wax casting technique, games, and materials to touch.

FAMILY SPACE
This space, specially designed for families, offers a fun and creative break within the permanent exhibition. From drawing to games, including a reading corner and a photo booth space to immortalize your visit, children can fully enjoy the activities designed especially for them.

“SPIRIT OF THE PLACE” RECEPTION ROOM
Introduction to the history of human presence in Avignon through the collections of the Calvet Museum and the Lapidary Museum (Prehistory – 19th century).

IH: Pavement developed for access to the main courtyard on rue Joseph Vernet. The Calvet Museum cobblestone path is difficult to navigate in wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs (round pebbles). Access ramp adapted for visiting the ground floor of the museum.
Alternate vehicle access is available on Rue Basile. A doorbell is provided at the entrance to open the gate, with two designated disabled parking spaces. An exterior elevator provides access to the ground floor of the museum and the ticket office.
Floor accessible by elevator.

Free self-guided tours of the permanent collections.