Annonciade Museum

The old Annonciade Chapel from 1548 is a unique experience with world-class art from artists such as Paul Signac, Henri Matisse and Pierre Bonnard.

A chapel transformed into a museum

The Notre-Dame de l’Annonciade chapel was built in 1548 by the brotherhood “Les Pénitents Blancs” – the white penitents.

During the French Revolution, the chapel was seized by the state and in 1829, the bell tower was demolished and a storey was added so that the chapel could be used for shipbuilding. At the beginning of the 20th century, the building then fell into disrepair as a simple warehouse for materials for bridge and road construction.

The chapel was subsequently converted into a museum in 1922, focusing on some of the biggest names in 20th century painting, with a particular interest in pointillism, the Nabi movement and fauvism.

In the years 1951-55, the chapel underwent extensive renovation and was redesigned by architect Louis Süe, making it an important element in the Riviera’s string of significant museums.

The thoughtful architectural line and modernist furniture lend weight to the museum’s prestigious permanent collection, making Annonciaden one of the first museums to celebrate modern art.

Saint-Tropez and art

Saint-Tropez owes a lot to Paul Signac. In 1892, he docked in Saint-Tropez with his yacht Olympia. He immediately fell in love with the place, the light, the landscapes and the relaxed lifestyle of the port town.

So he bought a house and turned it into a studio. The property, La Hune, quickly became the meeting place for many famous painters. Henri Matisse, André Derain, Albert Marquet and Henri-Edmond Cross regularly visited La Hune.

Museum room in Annonciade Museum in Saint-Tropez — *Beautiful architectural lines contribute to the overall museum experience in the old chapel*

Announce the museum collections

Eight rooms in the building form the beautiful setting for the permanent collection of paintings created between 1890 and 1950.

All the featured artists have produced works based on reflections on color while remaining true to figuration. The result is an impression of harmony due to the homogeneity of the works.

Pointillism is represented by works by Paul Signac, Théo van Rysselberghe, Georges Seurat, Maximilien Luce, Jeanne Selmersheim-Desgrange and Henri-Edmond Cross.

The symbolists of the Nabi movement are represented by Édouard Vuillard, Pierre Bonnard, Félix Vallotton and Maurice Denis.

Fauvist artists Georges Braque, Kees van Dongen, André Derain, Henri Matisse and Raoul Dufy were also offered space on the museum walls.

Pictures in the Annonciade museum in Saint-Tropez — *World-class art is richly represented in the Annonciade Museum, including a work by Pierre Bonnard*

Temporary exhibitions

In addition to the permanent exhibition, the Annonciade Museum hosts two exhibitions a year that focus on specific artistic movements, artists or works. Visit the museum’s website to find out about the current exhibitions.

Check the Annunciademuseums website for opening hours and prices.

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