Musee Granet, Aix en Provence

Museum in Aix en Provence

Aix En Provence Musee Granet E1714484511194

CC BY-SA 4.0 / François GOGLINS

Nestled beside the Saint-Jean-de-Malte church in Aix-en-Provence, the Musée Granet is a cultural jewel blending centuries of art, history, and irony. Once famously dismissive of local painter Paul Cézanne, the museum now proudly celebrates him as one of its icons, making this one of the must-see places in Aix-en-Provence for art lovers. The building's serene setting and its remarkable collection make it both a place of contemplation and a showcase of global artistic heritage.

Whether you're drawn to Renaissance masters, Impressionist visionaries, or modern artists like Picasso and Giacometti, the museum's galleries offer a journey through creativity and time. It's also a highlight of any walking tour of Aix, pairing artistic brilliance with a fascinating backstory of redemption, rivalry, and rediscovery.

History and Significance of Musée Granet
Things to See and Do in Musée Granet
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Musée Granet
Is Musée Granet Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting
Nearby Attractions to Musée Granet

History and Significance of Musée Granet

The origins of the Musée Granet trace back to the late 19th century, when Henri Pointier, the museum's curator from 1892 to 1925, declared that Cézanne's paintings would only hang there “over my dead body.” His disdain for Cézanne reflected a wider local skepticism of the painter's radical style. Ironically, when Pointier died in 1949, the museum began acquiring Cézanne's works—transforming his curse into the artist's posthumous triumph. That same year, it was renamed in honor of François-Marius Granet, an Aix-born painter and benefactor who had greatly enriched the museum's collection.

The museum is housed in the former priory of Saint-Jean-de-Malte, a medieval complex that once served as a monastery for the Knights of Malta. This setting gives the museum a unique atmosphere where history and art intertwine. Over the years, the collection expanded to include Renaissance, Baroque, and modern masterpieces, cementing its status as one of the top attractions in Aix-en-Provence. In 2009, the museum hosted an acclaimed exhibition marking the centenary of Cézanne’s death—an event that symbolized both homage and closure to an artistic feud that had lasted decades.

Things to See and Do in Musée Granet

Inside, visitors can explore a diverse collection spanning over 700 works. Highlights include Jean-Dominique Ingres’ dramatic painting “Jupiter and Thetis,” a self-portrait by Rembrandt, and striking works by Van Dyck and Granet himself. Modern art enthusiasts will appreciate the museum’s collection of pieces by Giacometti, Nicolas de Staël, and Picasso. Cézanne’s works, once shunned, now occupy a proud place in the galleries, reflecting the artist’s enduring influence on Aix’s identity.

A must-see addition is the Jean and Suzanne Planque collection, displayed in the annex at the nearby Chapel of the White Penitents. This extraordinary loan, which began in 2011 and continues for 15 years, features over 180 works from Jean Planque’s private collection. Among them are masterpieces by Degas, Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Bonnard, Klee, Dubuffet, and Giacometti—making it one of the most comprehensive modern art collections in southern France. This spot is one of the best places to see in Aix-en-Provence if you want to explore both classical and modern art under one roof.

How to Get There

Musée Granet is located on Place Saint-Jean-de-Malte, in the Mazarin Quarter of Aix-en-Provence. The nearest train station is Gare SNCF d’Aix-en-Provence. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place. For those arriving by car, parking is available nearby at Rotonde and Pasteur Car Park. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. The museum is a short walk from Cours Mirabeau and is well signposted throughout the old town.

Practical Tips on Visiting Musée Granet

Best time to visit Musée Granet: Morning or weekday afternoons for fewer crowds.
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €8–€10; combined ticket with the Planque collection available.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; closed Mondays.
Official website: www.museegranet-aixenprovence.fr
How long to spend: 1.5 to 2 hours, longer if visiting the Planque collection.
Accessibility: Fully accessible, with ramps and elevators.
Facilities: Restrooms, gift shop, and reading room; café nearby in the Mazarin Quarter.
Photography tip: Capture the façade framed by Saint-Jean-de-Malte’s Gothic tower, or photograph the sunlight filtering through the cloister garden.
Guided tours: Offered in French and English, including themed tours on Cézanne and modern art.
Nearby food options: Cafés along Rue d'Italie and around Cours Mirabeau serve great lunch and coffee options.

Is Musée Granet Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Musée Granet is one of the best places to visit in Aix-en-Provence for its fusion of history, architecture, and artistic depth. From Rembrandt to Cézanne and Picasso, its collection tells a story of shifting artistic tastes and timeless creativity. The museum's embrace of Cézanne—once rejected, now revered—adds a uniquely poetic dimension that makes the visit even more rewarding.

FAQs for Visiting

Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes, though older children may appreciate it more, especially with art-themed activity sheets available.

Can I visit the Planque collection with the same ticket?
Yes, combined entry tickets cover both sites.

Is photography allowed inside the museum?
Yes, but without flash, particularly in special exhibition areas.

Are there lockers or cloakrooms?
Yes, a cloakroom is available for visitors at the entrance.

Are there guided tours available in English?
Yes, tours are offered seasonally in English and other languages.

Nearby Attractions to Musée Granet

Hôtel de Caumont – A restored 18th-century mansion turned art center with seasonal exhibitions and gardens.
Cours Mirabeau – The city's grand boulevard lined with fountains, cafés, and elegant mansions.
Place d'Albertas – A symmetrical Baroque square with an ornate fountain.
Fountain of the Four Dolphins – A 17th-century sculptural masterpiece in the Mazarin District.
Saint-Sauveur Cathedral – A magnificent mix of architectural styles and centuries of history.

The Musee Granet appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Aix en Provence!

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