Calvet Museum

Together, the building and the collection form one of Avignon's most poetic and historic sites.
The Ecole d'Avignon is celebrated here, with a panorama of Avignon's artistic creation from the Renaissance to the Revolution.
Paintings, sculptures and objets d'art give visitors a better grasp of the richness of this 16th-17th-century production, 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 features works from the 15th to the 20th centuries.
Sculptures are also on display, with works by C. Claudel, Francesco Laurana, Jame Pardier and others.
Marcel Puech donation: furniture, earthenware, bronzes, etc.
Egyptian collection presented in three rooms.

Galerie Vernet: dedicated to the illustrious dynasty of Avignon artists, this room, one of the museum's most prodigious, is currently being renovated. The public will be able to enjoy a completely new lighting system, which will enhance the works and make them more comfortable for visitors.
From masterpiece to masterpiece, from H. Vernet to Vien, Peyron, Regnault, David, Vigée Le Brun, Chassériau, Géricault, Manet, Corot and Sisley, a new display will open the chapter of art history between classicism, romanticism, realism and impressionism.

GARDEN
In his "Mémoires d'un touriste", Stendhal describes "the tall trees of the garden", which, from its origins in 1754, consisted of a large flowerbed with a central pond and fountain.
Over the years, the garden has evolved, undergoing major modifications as the establishment expanded. The construction of the east wing in 1902, for example, saw the disappearance of the groves of greenery that had previously occupied this entire area.
In 2010, excavations uncovered the central pool with a water jet, as well as another pool with a nymphaeum, fed by hydraulic systems for collecting and distributing water, as well as the presence of Provençal species in the garden's vegetation.
In 2021, the City of Avignon has decided to renovate this exceptional garden, based on the original plans and layout.
in our city center.
Goldsmith work for a showcase
By restoring the central pool and the southern fountain, we're bringing the Musée Calvet gardens back to their original glory.
The stone coping from Estaillades (Vaucluse) and the stone basins from Verfeuil (Gard), all supplied by local craftsmen, enhance this living space.
Four parterres engazonnés entourés de plaintes en acier et des hedges de myrte adaptés au climat local, ou encore 8 micocouliers et 12 orangers viennent compléter des espaces de rocailles, qui abritrez de magnifiques parterres de mousses, offrant ainsi au jardin une qualité végétale et environnementale exceptionnelle.
LED lighting strips and lanterns illuminate the garden. The technical room for the fountains, operating in a closed circuit, is buried and will help maintain the landscape balance of this site.

LABEL MUSEE JOYEUX
Since October 14, 2022, the "Musée Joyeux" label has been awarded to the Calvet and Lapidaire museums, as well as to the Calvet museum's Gallery of Antiques. Thanks to the city's endorsement of the Môm'Art charter of the eponymous association, this label commits these first two museums to an active quality approach to young visitors and their families.
With free admission to museums introduced by the City in 2018, this policy of accessibility in municipal cultural facilities was already promoted through tools such as animations, workshops and other booklets-games (very popular).
But with this label, the town is going one step further and developing a cultural action specifically dedicated to welcoming families. It subscribes to the "10 rights of the little 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, you'll find "La Boîte de Camille" (Camille's Box) to explore one of the museum's works: Camille Claudel's "Jeune Romain" or "Mon frère". You'll find: "discovery cards" to learn more about shapes, the lost-wax casting technique, games and materials to touch.

FAMILY AREA
This area, specially designed for families, offers a fun and creative break within the permanent exhibition. From drawing to games, a reading corner or a photobooth area to immortalize your visit, children can take full advantage of the activities designed just for them.

SPIRIT OF PLACE" WELCOME LOUNGE
Introduction to the history of human presence in Avignon through the collections of the Musée Calvet and the Musée Lapidaire (Prehistory - 19th c.).

IH : Sidewalk to access the main courtyard on rue Joseph Vernet. Calade at Musée Calvet difficult for wheelchair users and electric wheelchair users (round pebbles). Access ramp adapted to visit the museum's ground floor.
Other vehicular access on rue Basile. Doorbell at the entrance to open the gate, with two spaces reserved for wheelchair users. External lift giving access to the museum's first floor and ticket office.
First floor accessible by elevator.