Opening of the museum 1888 (≈ 1888)
Official opening in a versatile building.
années 1970
Development of contemporary art
Development of contemporary art années 1970 (≈ 1970)
Introduction by Marie-Claude Beaud of a dedicated fund.
1977
Creation of the photographic collection
Creation of the photographic collection 1977 (≈ 1977)
Initial fund of more than 400 works.
1978
Launch of the Department of Contemporary Art
Launch of the Department of Contemporary Art 1978 (≈ 1978)
Acquisitions of movements like Support-Surface.
11 juin 2021
Re-opening after rehabilitation
Re-opening after rehabilitation 11 juin 2021 (≈ 2021)
Complete modernization of museum spaces.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Marie-Claude Beaud - Museum curator
Initiator of the contemporary art fund (1970s).
Origin and history
The Museum of Art of Toulon (M.A.T.) was inaugurated in 1888 in a remarkable building, characterized by its monumental facade carved and enamelled, as well as its U-shaped plan. Originally, this building housed three distinct institutions: the art museum itself, the city's natural history museum, and the municipal library. This sharing of places reflected an ambitious cultural and scientific will for the time, typical of the large growing regional cities in the late 19th century.
The M.A.T. benefits from the label Musée de France and preserves various collections, covering ancient art (from the 15th century), modern and contemporary art, as well as Asian and photographic backgrounds. His identity was affirmed in the 1970s under the impetus of conservative Marie-Claude Beaud, who developed a remarkable contemporary art fund. The latter, initiated in 1978, now has more than a thousand works, representing major movements such as American Conceptual Art, New Realism, or Minimalism. The photographic collection, created in 1977, brings together more than 400 works signed by renowned photographers.
The museum is also recognized for its specialization in Provencal art, with ensembles dedicated to landscapers of the 1850s, Fauves de Provence, and symbolists. After a complete rehabilitation, the M.A.T. reopened its doors to the public on 11 June 2021, confirming its central role in the dissemination of art and heritage in Toulon. Its official address, 113 boulevard du Marshal Leclerc, makes it an accessible place in the heart of the city, in the department of Var.
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