Musée du Vieil-Aix, History museum in Aix-en-Provence, France
The Musée du Vieil-Aix occupies a 17th-century mansion with traditional Provençal architecture and decorative details throughout its rooms. The building retains its original character, displaying furniture, craft tools, and art objects that represent different periods of local history.
The collection was established in 1932 when Marie d'Estienne de Saint-Jean converted her aristocratic residence into a cultural institution. This transformation emerged from a desire to preserve local traditions and memories of Provence's past.
The rooms display regional furniture, ceramics, and colorful puppet figures that reflect how people lived in Provence. These collections from the 1800s show traditional crafts and domestic traditions that shaped the area's identity.
The museum sits in the old town and is accessible most days of the week except Mondays. It is easy to reach on foot and takes about one to two hours to explore.
The museum houses an Italian artwork by G.B. Gaulli originally designed for the baptistery of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. This piece is a rare example of artistic connection between Rome and Provence during the 1600s.
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