Les Abattoirs
About
Les Abattoirs, Musée – Frac Occitanie Toulouse, is a leading contemporary art institution housed in a former slaughterhouse on the banks of the Garonne in the heart of Toulouse. With a permanent collection of roughly 3,900 works ranging from 1934 to the present, it offers visitors a dynamic programme of temporary exhibitions, artist residencies, performances, and civic events that juxtapose modern and contemporary masterpieces. The museum’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion is reflected in its free admission for people with disabilities, a dedicated library, a bookstore, a café restaurant, and an expansive outdoor sculpture garden that extends into the adjacent Jardin Raymond VI. The outdoor **Parcour d’art en extérieur** features 19 sculptural installations, including the monumental bas‑relief *Les Femmes au perroquet* by Fernand Léger, offering a unique chance to experience contemporary work in a natural setting. Guided tours and “visites commentées” are available weekly, with a modest entrance fee of €4 for the sound‑rich experience, while the main museum charges €5 for adult entry and €3 for reduced‑rate visitors. In addition to its core exhibitions, Les Abattoirs operates a library with over 3,500 titles on art, design and aesthetics, a well‑stocked bookstore, and the Hemicycle café restaurant that serves freshly prepared meals and a tea lounge. The institution also hosts language‑specific tours in French Sign Language and participates in the Paris & Montpellier tickets for wider cultural outreach. Visitors can prepare in advance through the museum’s online “Préparer ma visite” portal, where they can book guided visits, request special accommodations, and access a downloadable visit kit.
Highlights
- Modern and Contemporary Collection
- Outdoor Sculpture Garden
- Café Restaurant
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At a glance
- Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes