Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence - Grasse

The museum is located in the new Hôtel de Clapiers‑Cabris , which was built between 1772 and 1774 by the architect Jean Orello for Jean‑Paul de Clapiers , Marquis of Cabris, married to Louise de Mirabeau (sister of the revolutionary Mirabeau).

The building has a neoclassical exterior with an Italian sunroof, a Provencal interior layout with a bel-etage and a garden facing the rue Mirabeau.

Around 1776 it fell into disrepair after which the marquises left during the Revolution. In 1813 it was sold to the perfumers Bruery , later converted into a residential and storage space for a perfumery.

From 1919 onwards, under the impetus of François Carnot, a museum was set up (Musée Fragonard in 1921), renamed in 1977 as Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence . Recognised as a Monument Historique since 1962.

Inside, you will see 18th century stucco decorations (gypsum cladding) moved from the Hôtel Calvy, and a courtyard with a sculpture by Fragonard. There are salons, bedrooms , 18th century kitchen and bathroom, charming reception hall...

The museum contains collections on archaeology & ethnography from pre- and protohistory to Romanesque, Gallo-Roman, medieval and modern as well as tools, utensils , textile fragments, religious artefacts and regional costumes.

In addition, a collection of Beaux-Arts (17th–20th century) with works by local and renowned artists: Charles Camoin – Le Port de Saint-Tropez

Maurice Denis , François Marius Granet – religious and landscape works Charles Nègre – photography and paintings, including cityscapes and portraits.

Willem Vandenameele