Georges Bemberg’s Foundation — Hotel of Assézat — Attraction in Toulouse

This is a great collection in a beautiful location. The building has been renovated to an exceptional standard and the collection itself is really impressive, with works from a lot of well-known artists. We particularly liked the harmonious way they were displayed in collections of similar pieces - such as the bronzes with porphyry elements all in one or two rooms. The cabinetry was stunning as well - some really beautiful examples of marquetry. Not all of the art was to my taste. I'm not a huge fan of the more modern stuff (post-1800s), but even I could appreciate that it's a well-curated collection. There's also an atmosphere of intimacy. The paintings aren't sealed away under glass and separated by ropes and distance. Obviously you can't touch them and security is everywhere, but there's something really quite special about being able to lean in and truly see the details and individual brushstrokes. It was quite busy on the Sunday afternoon that we went, with some louder visitors that weren't particularly mindful of the others around them, so if you'd really like to take your time in a nicer atmosphere, I'd recommend going...

This gallery, one of finest in Toulouse, is housed in the wonderful Hotel d'Assizat which is a very fine example of southern French Renaissance Palace architecture. The house was built between 1550 and 1600 and is constructed with typical local Toulouse brick. It rises three floors around a pretty courtyard. In one corner there is a high tower which is visible from many points around the city. The house was donated to the city and was restored in the 1980's. It is now home to the fabulous Bemberg Foundation, which is the private collection of Georges Bemberg, who was a wealthy Argentinian, and it is one of the most important private art collections in Europe. The collection includes paintings, sculpture and other fine artefacts, such as furniture and books. They are presented beautifully in the handsome rooms of the old house. The painting range from old Venetian masters, such as Canaletto, to 19th & 20th century artists covering Impressionism to Fauvism, with French, Belgian, Spanish, Italian & Dutch artists represented. One darkened room is dedicated to drawings and includes pieces by Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec. A...

18 euros is steep for any museum in my view, but I have to say, this collection earns it.

This grand mansion holds a wonderful set of works (including paintings, furniture and sculpture) from throughout the ages, a little like a mini version of the Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid, displaying them in chronological order as you work your way through the building. Absolute highlight for me was Lucas Cranach's Venus and Cupid stealing honey - especially appropriate here as there apparently are beehives on the roof of the building. Although hilariously, I can't post a photo of it here on Google because of "nudity" 😂 so you will just have to go and check for yourself!

There are also works by famous artists including Carpaccio, Canaletto, Renoir, Sicker, Signac, Gaugin and an entire room dedicated to Bonnard (not a favourite of mine, but interesting nevertheless).

There are large signs in French, English and Spanish in each room to introduce the theme of the room.

It was very quiet on a Wednesday morning when I went, I almost had the...