The Paul Dupuy museum Toulouse, also called Paul Dupuy museum and precious Arts, is located rue de la Pleau, in the historic heart of the city. It is housed in the former mansion Pierre Besson (built in the seventeenth century) which Paul Dupuy acquired it in 1909 and it was restored and enlarged (adding a floor) to showcase the works he had acquired and saved from oblivion for decades.
Paul Dupuy (1867-1944) was indeed a passionate collector and amateur art in the history of the city and whose fortune came from the family business specializing in the sale of spices. He bequeathed his collection to the State reconveyed them to the town. On the first private, museum and municipal became after the death of its founder.
The property has a fund dedicated to the graphic arts and the art of the Middle Ages to 1939.
The range of collections is impressive and we are more than 6000 drawings of the fifteenth to the nineteenth century due to the southern or Italian artists (Veronese, Tintoretto) besides Delacroix sketches, prints, engravings, photographs.
On another front, a collection of watches, compasses and scientific objects (some dating from the seventeenth), ivory pieces partly from the Basilica of Saint Sernin, the examples of jewelry, furniture (including elements that were once used in the Capitol), old elements within the pharmaceutical, ironwork, ceramics and ancient weapons are kept.
All of these pieces, objects and works of art is a valuable and singular mirror of local history: for example, is preserved damask (knife) which was used in the beheadings of time sheriffs (municipal judges under the old regime). The importance of the fund can present a permanent collection and to organize thematic exhibitions.
The museum will reopen in spring 2020 after the work of upgrading.
Open everyday save Monday. Rate: from 3 to 5 euro (permanent collection) and 8 euros (permanent collection + temporary exposure). Supplement guided tour: 3 euros. Information +33 5 31 22 95 40.
