Located in the prestigious buildings of the Estienne de Saint-Jean private mansion, the Museum of Old Aix has been the history museum of Aix-en-Provence since 1932. In the setting of an aristocratic residence in Aix, the museum presents its collections of earthenware, santons, furniture and objects that bear witness to local popular traditions.
Estienne de Saint-Jean
In the heart of the historic center of Aix-en-Provence, the Estienne de Saint-Jean private mansion was built from two adjoining houses. The layout of its façade was assigned to the architect Pierre Puget. This remarkable residence in many respects is one of the three Aix buildings built in the colossal order, with columns or pilasters extending over several levels. Its last owner, Marie d’Estienne de Saint-Jean, donated it to the city in 1922 to house a museum.
Collections
The Museum of Old Aix is particularly renowned for its collections of articulated wooden puppets, traditionally used during the Feast of Corpus Christi, celebrated in Aix since the 13th century. The Feast of Corpus Christi screen, a remarkable piece in many ways, bears witness to this tradition, which was very much present during the Ancien Régime.
The costumes also take the visitor back to the 18th century when the city of Aix-en-Provence hosted the Parliament of Provence and was one of the richest cities in the south of France. The period furniture, the numerous santons, the earthenware collections and the many instruments provide an impressive insight into the daily life of the rich Aix families of previous centuries. The models, plans, and masterpieces of craftsmen offer an eclectic collection of great beauty. As for the paintings, they bear witness to the artistic and cultural richness of a time when patronage was the order of the day for rich families.
Practical information
Prepare your visit to the Museum of Old Aix:
- Opening days: Closed on Tuesday. Closed on January 1, May 1, December 25.
- Address: 17 rue Gaston de Saporta, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
- Website: http://www.aixenprovence.fr/Presentation-du-Musee-du-Vieil-Aix
