History of the museum
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's mother, wishing to perpetuate the memory of her son and to ensure that her native city benefits from the appeal, teaching and profit of this key part of his work, has resolved, Mr. Mayor, to offer it to the city of Albi.
Countess Adèle de Toulouse-Lautrec, Maurice Joyant, Gabriel Tapié de Céleyran
Enter this exceptional place
Discover the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum in the prestigious setting of the Palais de la Berbie. A listed historical monument, the Palais de la Berbie is one of the best-preserved episcopal complexes in France, located in the heart of the episcopal city of Albi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unesco World Heritage in 2010.
A remarkable medieval building
A symbol of the power of the bishops of Albi, The Episcopal Palace was built in the 13th century. adjoining Sainte-Cécile Cathedral and dominates the banks of the Tarn. This powerful fortress, which houses the Toulouse-Lautrec museum, is called the Palais de la Berbie, derived from the Occitan word bisbia, meaning bishopric.
From the Renaissance to the 18th century, the imposing medieval structure was transformed into a pleasure palace with state rooms and French gardens.
A unique collection in the world
An exceptional donation made in 1922 by the Count and Countess of Toulouse-Lautrec The City of Albi truly gave birth to the current museum, which houses the world's largest public collection dedicated to the famous Albi-born painter. Paintings, lithographs, drawings, as well as all the posters created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrecillustrate all facets of his innovative talent.
Room by room, follow the evolution of the artist from his early works to his very last paintings.
A museum reinvented
Restructuring work on the museum was carried out from 2001 to 2012 with the aim of improving the reception of the public and offering a new visitor route while highlighting the architectural features of the palace.
The work has revealed the medieval pavement of the Aula ou palatial hall composed of glazed terracotta tiles dating from the 13th century and the painted ceiling of the Amboise galleryThe bays of this ceiling, shaped like an upturned boat hull, have been uncovered and now reveal an exceptional decoration from the late 15th century.