the essential
Home to the essential works of Ingres and Bourdelle, the MIB also hosts more contemporary exhibitions.
During the Hundred Years’ War, the Treaty of Brétigny offered Montauban to the English. Then began the construction of a fort on the banks of the Tarn, the left bank having remained French. In 1664, Bishop Pierre de Bertier decided to establish his new episcopal palace on the ruins of the old fort. Becoming a town hall after the Revolution, it also housed the first municipal museum as well as the drawing school, from 1820.
After two centuries of existence, the museum was completely renovated and expanded, from 2017 to 2020. Named in homage to its two most famous artists, the Ingres-Bourdelle Museum (MIB) is today among the most beautiful museums in Occitania and the south of France. With its modernized spaces and its “bouquet” route simplifying the visit, the MIB conceals many gems.
On the ground floor, there is room for temporary exhibitions. Ingres fans have a date on the first floor. His work is displayed there with large compositions, testimonies of the influence of Antiquity and Raphael on his art, early works but also famous portraits, including that of Madame Gonse.
Bourdelle in all its forms
On the second floor, the visit continues with a selection of the master’s drawings in a graphic arts cabinet and objects from his antique collections. The upper floor also gives pride of place to paintings from the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries from Italian and Northern schools, then from French and foreign schools from the 17th century. A section also presents 18th century art, from Boucher to David. We don’t forget Poussin, Fragonard but also the great names of the 19th century, like Delacroix or Géricault.
Sculpture lovers will meet in the first basement, a space dedicated to Emile-Antoine Bourdelle. The artist is represented in all his periods through marbles, plasters, bronzes, models and finished works.
The basements, remains of the 14th century stronghold, are an opportunity to discover an archaeological collection of objects linked to local history since the Gallo-Roman era. Finally, the famous Prince Noir room regularly hosts more contemporary exhibitions. This summer, starting July 11, Jean-Michel Othoniel will be taking over the premises to offer a black and luminous installation on the destructive prince that lies dormant in each of us.
Practical
Ingres-Bourdelle Museum: 19 rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (subject to change). Late night on Thursday until 9 p.m. Prices: €5 to €10 (single visit). Contact: www.museeingresbourdelle.com or 05 63 22 12 91.
