The Hôtel d'Assézat, just off of the Rue de Metz, is a fine representative of the beautiful hôtels particuliers, or private mansions, of Toulouse. Even if you decide not to visit the museum, at least take a look at the mansion and courtyard.

The mansion was built in the 17th century for Pierre d'Assézat, a merchant who made a fortune in the woad business. Woad was a plant used to make blue dye, and it was very important in the history of Toulouse.

In 1895 the mansion was bequeathed to the city of Toulouse and served scholarly societies. In 1995 Georges Bemberg, an Argentine art collector who was raised in France and went to Harvard, created the Fondation Bemberg for his extensive works of art. The city of Toulouse was thrilled to have his collection exhibited at the Hôtel d'Assézat.

The museum consists of 13 rooms of the mansion, all beautifully decorated. The Venetian Room focuses on 18th century Venetian painting, while the Louis XVI Room shows paintings from a similar period in France.

Other rooms focus on sculpture, bound books, portraits, and furnishings. Moving to more modern works, there is also an Impressionist Room, with works by Monet and Gauguin, a Bonnard Room, focused on the work of this artist, and the Drawing Room, with smaller drawings by artists including Picasso, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Modigliani.

There is also a small outdoor café on the terrace just before you enter the museum, a nice spot for lunch or a coffee.

Hôtel d'Assézat/Fondation Bemberg
Place d'Assézat
31000 Toulouse, France
+33 (0)5 61 12 06 89

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