Toulon Art Museum
Journey to the heart of Art
A dialogue between Art and History
Since 1888, the Art Museum
has embodied a part of Toulon’s modern history, and houses an ever-expanding collection of ancient, modern and contemporary art. Provençal and Orientalist currents, as well as renowned contemporary works, are highlighted. All year round, an exhilarating artistic journey, enhanced by exciting exhibitions, awaits you here.
5 good reasons to come to the Musée d’Art
- Marvel at the museum’s monumental façade
- Admire rich collections of ancient, modern and contemporary art
- Enjoy prestigious temporary exhibitions
- Go back in time in the art library
- Soak up the radiant light of the place
Monumental setting for Art
Located in the heart of the Haussmann-style upper town, the Art Museum is one of Toulon’s symbols of modern architecture. Its imposing Italian Renaissance appearance, sculpted facade and vast forecourt invite you to step inside this temple to the arts and knowledge.
Inside the museum, wide staircases bathed in soft light lead up to the exhibition rooms.
Before browsing through the works, make a detour to the historic library.
At its heart, the alcoves of the cabinet of curiosities display objects from distant travels, echoing the rich collections of books.
Our advice
All year round, the cultural mediation service of the city’s museums offers free guided tours and activities , adapted to all publics.
These activities are available by appointment only.
For further information and to book your visit, contact cgrand-perret@mairie-toulon.fr or call 04 94 36 47 86.
From collections to exhibitions
Browse through the collection of ancient and modern art, mainly from the 19th century, and notice a great diversity of artistic currents. With a focus on landscapes and marine painting, the Art Museum showcases Marseille and Toulon painters of the period (Courdouan, Nardi, Monticelli…). As the tour unfolds, Provençal and Orientalist works – enriched by collections from the Orsay Museum – reveal their light and color.
On the 1st floor, the contemporary art collection showcases prestigious signatures, covering such diverse movements as conceptual art, new realism, minimalism and support/surface.
Take a look at works by major artists such as Daniel Buren, Arman, Yves Klein, Niki de Saint Phalle and Gerhard Richter.
The temporary exhibition rooms host eminent works throughout the year, with major exhibitions such as Picasso and the Mediterranean Landscape, L’Algérie des peintres and an exciting dialogue between the collections.
The graphic arts cabinet exhibits fragile works, including photographs and drawings from the museum’s collections.
Focus on
Toulon’s museums
Art, history and maritime heritage make up the vast cultural panorama of Toulon’s museums.
Through their rich collections of classical and contemporary works, they highlight a precious historical heritage as well as a stimulating avant-garde spirit.
Permanent and temporary exhibitions, themed activities and events: discover the many facets of art at the heart of Toulon’s museums.
How to get here ?
By car
From the east or west entrances of the town, take the “Centre-ville” direction to boulevard Maréchal Leclerc. The museum entrance is on the same boulevard.
The museum is a 5-minute walk from the SNCF train and bus stations.
By bus
By bus, the Liberté
stop, just a few minutes’ walk from Boulevard Maréchal Leclerc, is served by numerous réseau Mistral bus lines.