Musée Calvet: A Journey Through Art and History
Discover centuries of art and history at Avignon's Musée Calvet, housed in a stunning 18th-century mansion, showcasing diverse collections from archaeology to fine arts.
The Musée Calvet, Avignon's premier fine arts museum, resides in the stunning 18th-century Hôtel de Villeneuve-Martignan. Its extensive collections span from archaeology and ethnography to decorative and fine arts, showcasing paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The museum celebrates the Avignon School of art, highlighting local artistic creativity from the Renaissance to the Revolution. Visitors can explore Egyptian antiquities, admire masterpieces by French, Italian, and Northern European artists, and wander through the serene courtyard, making it a captivating destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Free entry to the permanent collections makes this a must-see attraction.
A brief summary to Musée Calvet
- 65 Rue Joseph Vernet, Avignon, 84000, FR
- +33490863384
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-1 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-1 pm
- Thursday 10 am-1 pm
- Friday 10 am-1 pm
- Saturday 10 am-1 pm
- Sunday 10 am-1 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the off-season (spring or fall) to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
- Take advantage of the free admission to the permanent collections to explore the museum's highlights without breaking the bank.
- Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and special events to enhance your visit.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the museum's extensive collections.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through Avignon's historic center, including the Palais des Papes and Pont d'Avignon, for a complete cultural experience.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Palais des Papes, walk south along Place du Palais, then turn left onto Rue de la Balance. Continue onto Rue Joseph Vernet; the Musée Calvet will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes and offers views of Avignon's historic architecture.
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Public Transport
From Avignon Centre train station, take bus lines C2 or C3 towards the city center. Get off at the 'Place Pie' stop. From there, walk south along Rue de la République, then turn left onto Rue Joseph Vernet. The Musée Calvet will be on your right. A single bus ticket costs €1.50. Alternatively, a 24-hour public transport pass is available for €2.00.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
A taxi or ride-share from Avignon Centre train station to the Musée Calvet will cost approximately €10-€15, depending on traffic. The journey takes around 5-10 minutes. Taxis are readily available at the station, or you can use a ride-sharing app to book a car.
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Driving
Driving to the Musée Calvet is possible, but parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging. The closest parking option is Parking du Palais des Papes, located a short walk away. Parking rates at Parking du Palais des Papes are approximately €2.80 per hour. Alternatively, free, supervised car parks are located at Ile Piot and Parking des Italiens, with free shuttle buses running to the city center.
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