France Avignon Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Museum

Musée Calvet

About

Located in a grand 18th‑century mansion on Rue Joseph Vernet, the Musée Calvet is Avignon’s principal fine arts museum and a jewel of Provence’s cultural heritage. Founded from the donation of physician and collector Esprit Calvet in 1810, the museum today houses an exceptional range of works spanning antiquity to the modern era. Visitors can admire Egyptian artifacts, medieval sculpture, Renaissance paintings, and masterpieces by artists such as Corot, Manet, and Bonnard. The collection also includes decorative arts, tapestries, and an impressive library of rare manuscripts. Beyond its treasures, the museum itself is a monument, with elegant salons and courtyards that reflect Avignon’s historic grandeur. Recognized as a Musée de France, the Calvet continues to embody the spirit of generosity and scholarship that shaped its origins, offering a journey through centuries of art and history in the heart of the city.

Avignon France

Location

Musée Calvet is located at 65 Rue Joseph Vernet in the heart of Avignon's historic center, housed in the elegant 18th-century Hôtel de Villeneuve-Martignan, a short walk from the city's medieval walls and Rhône River. This fine arts and archaeology museum sits in a vibrant pedestrian area, easily reachable on foot from Avignon Centre train station in about 10-15 minutes or by local bus. Nearby attractions make it a perfect cultural stop. The grand Palais des Papes and Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms rise prominently just a 5-10 minute stroll uphill, while the Musée du Petit Palais faces the papal palace across Place du Palais. Lively streets lead to Place de l'Horloge with its cafés, carousel, and theaters, and the nearby Musée Lapidaire occupies a former Jesuit chapel on Rue de la République, showcasing ancient artifacts. The intimate museum garden, recently restored to its 18th-century splendor, offers a serene oasis amid boutiques and the bustling old town.