For a change from afternoons on the terrace with a drink or in a guinguette, how about a refreshing visit to a museum? Whether you like art, history or science, there’s something for everyone. Because yes, the cultural life of the Pink City is bubbling over! Follow the guide as we take you on a tour of Toulouse’s best museums. And for those who don’t already know, most of them are free to visit on the first Sunday of every month!
Les Abattoirs: modern and contemporary art in XXL format
Looking for something a little out of the ordinary? Head for Les Abattoirs, the temple of modern and contemporary art. Housed in a converted slaughterhouse, this museum takes visitors by surprise from the moment they enter. Temporary exhibitions are always daring, and monumental works of art interact with industrial architecture. The next exhibition you won’t want to miss: works by Pop Art legend Roy Lichtenstein, and the sculpture garden offers a lovely bucolic break.
Toulouse Museum: dive into the secrets of nature
The Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle is a must-see for young and old explorers alike. Here, biodiversity is on display in all its forms: fossils, dinosaur skeletons, naturalized animals… There’s always something to learn, thanks to fun, interactive trails. What’s more, the museum’s Botanical Garden is the perfect place for a nature break without going to the park.
Cité de l’Espace: heading for the stars
Ready for take-off? The Cité de l’Espace – a symbol of the city of Toulouse – transports visitors into the fascinating world of astronomy. With its simulators, planetarium and life-size models, this is the place to get up close and personal with the conquest of space. Children love the immersive animations, while adults can spend the day with their heads in the stars (for a change from everyday stress).
Musée Saint-Raymond: step back in time to Antiquity
The Musée Saint-Raymond plunges you into Toulouse’s ancient history. Located a stone’s throw from the Saint-Sernin basilica, it reveals unsuspected archaeological treasures. Roman statues, mosaics, everyday objects… each room tells a captivating story. Guided tours and workshops reveal what life was like for Toulousans in days gone by. A not-to-be-missed journey back in time for heritage enthusiasts.
Musée Paul-Dupuy: the temple of precious arts and time
Have you heard of the Musée Paul-Dupuy, the jewel in the crown of the Carmes district? Housed in a former town house, this museum boasts a unique collection of decorative and graphic arts dating from the Middle Ages to 1939. Here, antique watchmaking rubs shoulders with objets d’art, drawings, prints and refined furniture. The completely redesigned scenography invites visitors to discover sometimes unusual treasures: scientific instruments, earthenware, ironwork and curiosities from other centuries.