Musée des Augustins reopens in Toulouse after seven-year renovation with contemporary art interventions

The Musée des Augustins in Toulouse reopened on December 17 after a seven-year closure, attracting over 150,000 visitors. The renovation includes a new entrance pavilion on Rue de Metz and full accessibility. Contemporary artists Flora Moscovici (b. 1985), Pablo Valbuena (b. 1978), and Stéphanie Mansy (b. 1978) were invited to create works in interstitial spaces, as part of director Laure Dalon's vision to integrate contemporary creation into the historic institution. The museum, founded in the late 18th century during the French Revolution, houses an impressive collection of ancient paintings and sculptures, including a recent acquisition of Henri Martin's "La Course à l'abîme." A highlight is the Romanesque room featuring medieval capitals from vanished Toulouse cloisters, displayed in a colorful installation entirely redesigned in 2014 for the Printemps de Septembre festival by artist Jorge Pardo (b. 1963). The museum aims to offer a seamless experience blending old and new.