Lively cafés, elegant balls, strolls, and performances: what was life like in Toulouse at the end of the 19th century? The Couvent des Jacobins invites us to step back in time with “Ball at the Grand Hôtel: Entertainment in Toulouse During the Belle Époque,” a 650-square-meter immersive exhibition running from November 7, 2026, to October 7, 2027. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the daily lives of Toulouse residents of yesteryear and discover how the “Pink City” transformed at the dawn of the 20th century.
Toulouse in the Age of Balls and Major Transformations
Between 1871 and 1914, Toulouse’s pace of life changed. Major thoroughfares took shape, electricity revolutionized daily routines, the railroad brought cities closer together, and the streetcar made travel easier. All these transformations reshaped lifestyles and opened up new possibilities for leisure activities.
Cafés, restaurants, markets, popular festivals, and balls became essential gathering places for socializing and celebrating. Gradually, entertainment moved beyond privileged circles to reach an ever-wider segment of the population. The exhibition aims to recount this vibrant era through the places, customs, and innovations that shaped Toulouse during the Belle Époque.
650 m² to travel back in time
In the refectory of the Jacobins Convent, visitors don’t just look at objects behind glass cases: they’re invited to stroll through a true life-size setting inspired by early 20th-century Toulouse. A period street, the lobby of the Grand Hôtel on Rue de Metz, a public square, a market, and even a café-restaurant recreate the atmosphere of a city in the midst of transformation.
The exhibition also holds other surprises, including a storefront, a home, a train station, an area dedicated to entertainment, another devoted to outdoor recreation, and, of course, a ballroom. Each of these settings tells a different story about Toulouse society around 1900.
Workshops, dramatized tours, and activities are on the program
The experience goes beyond the sets. Throughout the exhibition, the Couvent des Jacobins will offer a cultural program to extend the journey through time: guided or dramatized tours, workshops, talks, and activities centered on fashion, advertising, transportation, and festive traditions.
Special events will also help bring back to life the spirit of conviviality and sharing associated with the Belle Époque. A great reason to come back and explore the exhibition throughout the year.
Practical Information
📍 Location: Couvent des Jacobins, Toulouse
📆 Dates: November 7, 2026, through October 7, 2027
🎟️ Admission: €9 (full price), €5 (reduced price). Guided tour (additional fee): €3
👨👩👧 Audience: All ages, families, ages 3 and up
Tickets are available through the online ticket office. To plan your visit, visit the exhibition’s official website.
