Musée Réattu, Art museum in medieval priory, Arles, France
Musée Réattu occupies the former Grand Priory of the Order of Malta, a late 15th-century building on the Rhône quays at 10, rue du Grand-Prieuré. Its pale stone facade has an arched doorway with a triangular pediment, and a rounded turret marks one corner. Inside, twelve rooms show Jacques Réattu's works, three are devoted to Picasso's drawings, and one to photography.
The building was the Grand Priory of the Order of Malta, built in the late 15th century; it began housing Grand Priors in 1562 and became a Grand Priory in 1615, with jurisdiction over 48 commandries. Sold in parts in 1793 after the Order's possessions were confiscated, it was acquired in 27 parts between 1796 and 1827 by painter Jacques Réattu, who lived and worked there. His daughter Élisabeth Grange sold it and his collections to the Municipality of Arles in 1867, and the museum was officially created in 1868.
The museum is named after Arles-born painter Jacques Réattu, who bought the former Grand Priory in 27 parts between 1796 and 1827 to live and work there. His daughter Élisabeth Grange sold the building and his collection to the city in 1867. Twelve rooms show his 800 paintings and drawings, alongside works by his uncle Antoine Raspal, including The Couturiers' Workshop from the 1780s.
The museum sits in the town center and is easy to reach on foot without needing a car. The medieval rooms have stairs and narrow passages, so it is best to wear sturdy shoes and allow time to explore at a relaxed pace.
The building also houses a collection of experimental sound art, discoverable within the rooms alongside the paintings. These audio installations create an unexpected encounter between ancient walls and contemporary artistic expression.
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