Créé par Emilie, le 7 mai 2026
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Nestled in the heart of Toulouse, the Augustins Museum is a true heritage treasure. Located in a magnificent 14th-century Gothic convent, this Fine Arts museum ranks among the oldest in France. Its exceptional collections of medieval sculptures and European paintings, its preserved cloister and its medieval-inspired garden make it an essential stop for all art and history enthusiasts who wish to visit Toulouse. After more than six years of renovation work, the museum reopens its doors to the public on December 19, 2025, transformed and ready to reveal its wonders in a renovated setting.
History of the Augustins Museum in Toulouse
The Augustins Museum has its roots in Toulouse's religious history. Founded in 1309, the Augustinian convent housed a community of hermit monks following the rule of Saint Augustine. These monks occupied the premises until the French Revolution, a period that profoundly changed the building's destiny.
After the suppression of religious orders in 1790, the building underwent a radical transformation. In 1795, the convent officially became a museum, one of the very first created in France after the Louvre. This conversion helped preserve exceptional artistic heritage, particularly from suppressed churches and monasteries in the region. The museum then dedicated itself to the conservation and exhibition of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque artworks.
Over the centuries, the Augustins Museum has undergone several renovation campaigns. The southern Gothic architecture of the building, with its characteristic pink brick of Toulouse, has been carefully preserved. The great 14th-century cloister, unique of its kind in southwestern France, constitutes one of the museum's architectural jewels. Listed as a Historic Monument as early as 1840, the conventual complex testifies to the richness of Toulouse's heritage.
1. The Gothic cloister and medieval garden
The great cloister of the Augustins Museum represents one of Toulouse's most remarkable architectural treasures. Built in the 14th century, it is the only Gothic cloister of this era entirely preserved in southwestern France. Its 176 twin marble columns, topped with finely sculpted capitals, create an atmosphere of serenity conducive to contemplation.
The cloister's architecture testifies to medieval builders' mastery. The elegant arches draw a harmonious perimeter around the central garden. The historiated capitals tell biblical scenes and offer precious testimony to Toulouse's medieval sculpture art.
At the center of the cloister extends a medieval-inspired garden, reconstructed in 1995. This small haven of greenery, adorned with aromatic and medicinal plants typical of the Middle Ages, invites strolling. The garden evokes the peaceful atmosphere that reigned in this place of monastic life, offering visitors a true respite outside of time in the heart of the pink city.
2. The Romanesque and Gothic sculpture collections
The Augustins Museum houses one of the world's richest medieval sculpture collections. More than 400 works, dating from the 12th to 15th centuries, come mainly from churches and monasteries in Occitania. These exceptional pieces were preserved during the French Revolution and today constitute irreplaceable testimony to southern Romanesque and Gothic art.
The sculpture galleries offer a fascinating journey through the centuries. You'll discover Romanesque capitals from vanished buildings, adorned with plant motifs, fantastic animals and biblical scenes. The careful lighting highlights every detail, allowing appreciation of the fineness of medieval sculptors' work.
The Gothic collection impresses with its diversity. Column-statues, effigies, altarpieces and pediments tell the artistic and spiritual evolution of the Middle Ages. Each work testifies to the exceptional craftsmanship of Toulouse artists and the religious importance that characterized this period. Educational labels accompany your visit and enrich your understanding of these masterpieces.
3. The conventual church and its frescoes
The former convent church constitutes one of the museum's most impressive spaces. Its imposing nave, typical of southern Gothic architecture, stretches over a length comparable to that of a football field. The vault height, equivalent to a seven-story building, strikes visitors upon entry.
The church walls preserve magnificent frescoes created between the 15th and 18th centuries. These murals illustrate religious and biblical scenes of great finesse. Despite the passing centuries, the pigments have retained part of their original brilliance, testifying to the quality of techniques employed by artists of the past.
The church also houses a historic organ whose harmonious pipes still resonate during certain cultural events. The remarkable acoustics of the place make it a privileged space for concerts. This living dimension allows the museum to be more than just a conservatory of the past, but a dynamic cultural venue anchored in its time.
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4. The painting galleries from the Middle Ages to the 19th century
The Augustins Museum possesses a remarkable collection of paintings covering a broad period, from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. More than 4,000 works constitute the museum's collection, equally divided between sculptures and paintings. This artistic richness allows following the evolution of pictorial movements through the centuries.
The painting rooms present medieval altarpieces with dazzling colors, theatrical baroque canvases and more refined neoclassical works. You'll admire paintings by regional masters, as well as creations by renowned European artists. Some canvases, commissioned by religious orders, testify to the spiritual fervor that animated the era.
The 19th-century collection includes intimate paintings, delicate still lifes and luminous landscapes. Among the represented artists are prestigious names like Delacroix, Toulouse-Lautrec or regional painters who marked Toulouse's artistic history. Each room offers an immersion into a specific artistic period, enriching your understanding of art history.
5. The monumental grand staircase
At the heart of the building stands the grand staircase, a true architectural masterpiece of the 19th century. Built during the museum's development, this majestic staircase connects the building's different levels. Its neo-Gothic architecture draws inspiration from medieval styles while displaying decorative ambition characteristic of its era.
The staircase's imposing structure immediately catches the eye. The sculpted decorations that adorn it testify to the concern for beautification that characterized great 19th-century museographic projects. The ornamental motifs, inspired by Gothic art, create aesthetic continuity with the convent's medieval architecture.
The fineness of details reveals the expertise of craftsmen who worked on its realization. Sculpted balustrades, decorated vaults and plays of light transform this simple functional passage into a true work of art. The staircase perfectly illustrates 19th-century curators' will to make the museum a place worthy of the finest European palaces.
Hours and opening days
The Augustins Museum reopens its doors to the public on December 19, 2025, after more than six years of renovation work. Opening hours will be officially communicated during the reopening. Before the work, the museum was generally open every day except Tuesday, from 10 AM to 6 PM, with a late opening on Wednesday until 9 PM.
The museum regularly offers themed guided tours, family workshops and cultural events. It's recommended to check the official Augustins Museum website for updated programming and any exceptional closures.
Like most Toulouse museums, admission to the Augustins Museum is free on the first Sunday of each month. This municipal initiative allows all audiences to discover or rediscover the pink city's heritage treasures. Take advantage of the Ryo itinerary to organize a complete day of cultural visits in Toulouse.
Admission prices
The Augustins Museum prices will be specified during its reopening on December 19, 2025. Before the work, the applied rates were as follows: full price at €5, reduced rate at €3 for students, job seekers and people with a disability card. Admission was free for under 18s.
The museum also offers passes and combined packages with other Toulouse cultural sites. The Toulouse Culture card, available in several formats, provides preferential rates in the metropolitan area's museums and monuments. Don't hesitate to inquire at the museum reception to choose the formula best suited to your visit.
Where is the Augustins Museum located?
The Augustins Museum is located in the historic center of Toulouse, at 21 rue de Metz, 31000 Toulouse (rated 4.4/5 on Google for 2,852 reviews). This emblematic address places the museum just a few minutes' walk from the Capitole square and downtown. Its privileged location makes it an essential stop on any visit to Toulouse.
The museum is easily accessible by public transport. Esquirol metro station (line A) is about a 5-minute walk away. Several bus lines also serve the area, notably lines 14 and 29 with the Esquirol stop. For those who prefer cycling, VélôToulouse stations are available in the immediate vicinity.
If you come by car, several public parking lots are nearby: Esquirol and Carnot parking offer spaces within a few minutes' walk of the museum. As the area is in a paid parking zone, remember to bring coins for the meter or use mobile payment applications.
How to get to the Augustins Museum?
By metro
The metro is the most practical way to reach the Augustins Museum. Take line A and get off at Esquirol station. From there, a short 5-minute walk will take you to the museum. You can also use line B and get off at François-Verdier or Carmes, stations located about 7 minutes' walk away.
By bus
Several Tisséo bus lines serve the museum area. Line 14 and line 29 stop at Esquirol stop, very close to the museum. Other lines also pass through the city center and allow easy access to the Augustins Museum surroundings.
On foot from Capitole
If you're at Capitole square, the Augustins Museum is only about a 10-minute walk away. Take rue Saint-Rome or rue de Metz to reach this emblematic cultural venue. This walk allows you to discover the picturesque streets of Toulouse's historic center.
By bike
Cyclists will appreciate the VélôToulouse stations installed near Esquirol and François-Verdier. Cycling is an excellent way to discover Toulouse and move quickly from one cultural site to another. Remember to download the app to locate available stations.
Practical tips for your visit
To fully enjoy your visit to the Augustins Museum, plan about 2 hours. This duration will allow you to explore the different galleries without rushing and appreciate the place's remarkable architecture. Art and history enthusiasts can easily spend half a day there.
The museum provides a free cloakroom where you can leave your bags, coats and umbrellas. Photography is allowed without flash in the permanent collections, allowing you to immortalize your visit and keep a memory of your favorite works.
Accessibility for people with reduced mobility is part of the improvements made during the recent renovation. Elevators now provide access to the museum's different levels. For any specific information regarding accessibility, don't hesitate to contact the museum before your visit.
If you wish to deepen your discovery of Toulouse, the Ryo audio-guided itinerary will accompany you in exploring the main monuments and neighborhoods of the pink city. With its enriching commentary and intuitive navigation, it's the ideal companion to not miss anything of your Toulouse stay.
What else to see near the museum?
The Augustins Museum is located in a particularly heritage-rich neighborhood. A few minutes' walk away, you'll discover place Saint-Georges, one of Toulouse's most lively squares with its friendly terraces. This picturesque square is an ideal place to take a break after your museum visit.
The Pont-Neuf, Toulouse's oldest bridge spanning the Garonne, is also nearby. This stroll along the quays offers magnificent views of the pink city and its reflections in the water. Don't miss the Hôtel d'Assézat, a magnificent Renaissance mansion that houses the Bemberg Foundation and its Impressionist art collection.
For a complete visit of the historic center, follow the Ryo itinerary which will guide you to all of Toulouse's emblematic monuments, from the Capitole to Saint-Sernin basilica, passing by the Jacobins convent and its famous Gothic palms.
In conclusion, the Augustins Museum represents an essential stop for anyone who wishes to visit Toulouse and discover its exceptional heritage. Between preserved Gothic architecture, remarkable art collections and soothing medieval garden, this museum offers a complete cultural experience. Its reopening in December 2025 marks the beginning of a new era for this emblematic venue, now equipped with modern facilities while preserving its historical soul. Take advantage of your visit to Toulouse to discover this cultural gem and let yourself be guided by the Ryo application for an enriching visit of the pink city.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Augustins Museum currently open?
The Augustins Museum was closed for more than six years for major renovation work. It officially reopens its doors to the public on Friday, December 19, 2025. This reopening marks the culmination of a vast modernization and upgrading project for the building.
How much time should you plan to visit the museum?
For a complete visit of the Augustins Museum, plan about 2 hours. This time will allow you to discover the main sculpture and painting collections, admire the cloister and enjoy the medieval garden. Art enthusiasts can easily spend 3 hours or more there.
Can you take photos in the museum?
Yes, photography is allowed in the Augustins Museum's permanent collections, provided you don't use flash. This rule helps preserve the artworks while giving you the possibility to immortalize your visit and keep a memory of your discoveries.
Is the museum accessible to people with reduced mobility?
The museum's recent renovation has considerably improved accessibility for people with reduced mobility. Elevators have been installed to facilitate access to different levels. For any additional information about accessibility, it's recommended to contact the museum directly before your visit.
Is there a café or restaurant in the museum?
The museum generally offers a shop where you can find art books, postcards and souvenirs. For dining, numerous cafés and restaurants are in the immediate vicinity of the museum, notably on place Saint-Georges and in the historic center streets of Toulouse.
Does the museum offer guided tours?
The Augustins Museum regularly offers themed guided tours, family workshops and educational activities. It's recommended to check the museum's official website or inquire at reception to know the guided tour schedule and reserve your spot.