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Tapestry Museum in Aix-en-Provence
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The Tapestry Museum in picturesque Aix-en-Provence was opened more than a century ago in 1909 in the building of the former Archbishop’s Palace (La Place de l'Archeveche). The magnificent structure on the Place des Martyrs de la Resistance, supposedly built in the 17th century, has three floors and four wings.
This architectural masterpiece is a landmark in itself. The building is adjacent to Aix Cathedral, whose construction was launched in the 12th century. It has absorbed the features of the Romanesque and Gothic styles. Please pay particular attention to the inner courtyard, a cloister decorated with graceful columns.
The key asset of the museum is the huge unique tapestries of the 17th and 18th centuries from the personal collection of the archbishop, made in the famous French city of Beauvais. They are perfectly preserved to this day. Tapestries are also called arras, napless wall carpets with diverse plots depicted on them.
The highlight of the museum is tapestries based on the famous Don Quixote by Cervantes and the collection “Russian Games.” The oldest tapestry in the museum collection was woven in 1689. Take a close study of the tapestries created on the theater curtain and a series of tapestries depicting grotesque scenes.
Besides, the building houses old furnished rooms with exquisite interiors and stage decorations. Visitors can enjoy looking at the wide wrought-iron staircase, marble fireplaces, stucco ceilings, and rich decoration of rooms imbued with the spirit of antiquity and solemnity.
The museum regularly hosts temporary contemporary art exhibitions, as well as photography ones.
It is open from April 15 to October 15 every day except Tuesday. Admission costs € 3.70, and a guided tour is € 5.30 per person. Besides, there are open days for visitors, when you can visit the museum for free. You are not allowed to take photos inside.
The Tapestry Museum is located close to the Museum of Old Aix, the Theater of Archeveche (Theatre de l’Archeveche), and an art gallery.
Address:
28 pl Martyrs-de-la-Résistance