Place Saint-Jean-de-Malte

Located in the Mazarin district of Aix-en-Provence, just beside the historic Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte, the Musée Granet is one of the most important museums in southern France. Its collections span more than two millennia, from archaeological remains of Antiquity to major works of modern and contemporary art. Today the museum holds over 12,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and objects that illustrate the richness of European artistic heritage.

A Historic Building Linked to the Knights Hospitaller

The museum occupies buildings formerly associated with the commandery of the Knights Hospitaller of Saint-John of Jerusalem, a military-religious order established in Aix during the Middle Ages. These structures stood next to the Church of Saint-Jean-de-Malte, widely considered one of the earliest Gothic churches in Provence.

The complex was largely rebuilt during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, forming an elegant ensemble typical of institutional architecture of the period. Following the French Revolution, the property was nationalized. In 1838, the City of Aix-en-Provence transformed the building into a public museum and named it in honor of the Aix-born painter François-Marius Granet (1775–1849), who donated an important part of his personal collection to the city.

Architecturally, the building retains many features characteristic of Provençal classical design: harmonious façades in warm local stone, tall symmetrical windows, and spacious interior volumes that create a calm and luminous environment suited to the display of works of art.

Major Collections

The Musée Granet presents a wide-ranging collection covering European art from Antiquity to the modern period. Among the highlights are works by:

• Paul Cézanne, the most celebrated native of Aix-en-Provence
• Rembrandt
• Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
• Claude Monet
• Vincent van Gogh
• Pablo Picasso
• Henri Matisse
• Alberto Giacometti

Some works belong to the museum’s permanent collection, while others appear through temporary exhibitions, loans, or special presentations.

Particular attention is given to Cézanne, whose work reflects the landscapes and atmosphere of his native region. His presence in the museum highlights the deep artistic connection between the painter and the city of Aix.

Granet XXe – The Jean Planque Collection

In 2011 the museum expanded with a second site known as Granet XXe, located in the nearby former chapel of the White Penitents. This space presents the remarkable collection assembled by Swiss art collector Jean Planque, a close associate of many 20th-century artists.

The Planque Collection includes works by major figures of modern art, offering visitors an additional perspective on the evolution of painting from the late nineteenth century to the twentieth century.

Exhibitions and Cultural Activities

Throughout the year, the Musée Granet hosts a dynamic cultural program that includes:

• major international temporary exhibitions
• educational workshops and activities for families and schools
• lectures, conferences, and guided tours devoted to art history and the cultural heritage of Aix-en-Provence.

These initiatives reinforce the museum’s role as a center for artistic education and cultural dialogue.

A Cultural Landmark in Aix-en-Provence

Combining historic architecture with outstanding collections, the Musée Granet embodies the cultural refinement of Aix-en-Provence. Set within the elegant urban landscape of the Mazarin district, it offers visitors a journey through centuries of artistic creation while maintaining a strong connection to the city’s own artistic legacy.

Through its collections, exhibitions, and historic setting, the museum continues to serve as one of the major cultural institutions of Provence, linking the heritage of the past with the creativity of the present.