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Origin and history

The Museum/Centre d'art du verre is a museum of contemporary art and history specializing in glass, located in the agglomeration of Carmaux, Tarn (Occitanie). It occupies the building of the first local glass factory, in Blaye-les-Mines territory, and combines glass heritage with contemporary creations. The project, initiated by the community of municipalities of the Carmausin, aims to make it a unique place in Occitanie, with annual exhibitions and modern works. The museum was modernized from 2006 onwards to structure its cultural offer, but it has been closed to the public since April 2019.

The museum is part of a regional and national network of glass professionals, working with institutions such as CERFAV (European Centre for Research and Training in the Glass Arts), CIRVA de Marseille and CIAV de Meisenthal. It also organizes partnerships with contemporary artists and art centres, strengthening its unique character. The glass biennial, the flagship event of the project, and a glass workshop installed in an old chapel complete this cultural pole, aimed at reviving the local glass tradition.

The Domaine de la verrerie, where the museum is located, is a historic site linked to the creation of the first South-West coal-fired glass factory, founded in 1752 by the knight of Solages. The surrounding park, which has been undergoing rehabilitation since 2006, will eventually host monumental glass works. This project is based on a landscape study to highlight this industrial and artistic heritage, while attracting new talent to the region.

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