Museum of Provencal Art and History

Musee d’Art et d´Histoire de Provence
This unique art and history museum in Provence was inaugurated in 1921 by Francois Carnot, who had the idea of creating a regional museum for visitors to learn about the rich ethnographic, historical and artistic heritage of eastern Provence, from prehistoric times right up to the first half of the 20th century.

Francois Carnot was the son of the President of the Republic and had a large personal fortune, which enabled him to carry out restoration work on the building’s many rooms.

Inside you’ll find a collection of art, porcelain, textiles, furniture, jewelry, farming tools and weapons.

The building used to belong to one of the oldest noble families in Provence – Marquis Jean-Paul de Clapiers-Cabris. It was built in 1771 by Milanese architect Jean Orello and became the Hotel de Clapiers-Cabris.

Neoclassical architecture
It is still one of the most elegant houses in Provence and has been nicknamed “The Little Trianon of Grasse” due to its affiliation with neoclassical architecture. However, the lines are softened by Italian-style pink ochre colors.

Above the entrance door is a head sculpture – “Head of Gordon” – spewing vipers out of its mouth.

At the back of the building is a cozy garden (now a historical monument) of 1200 m2, recently redesigned by landscape architect Jean Mus. A nice breathing space on the tour through this beautiful museum.

The beautiful garden is planted with a huge magnolia, Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki), laurel, medlar (Mespilus germanica) and the iconic palm trees – introduced to the Côte d’Azur in the 19th century.

By Tommy Sverre / 2021

Image gallery from the museum: