The building was originally constructed in 1823 as the city’s municipal slaughterhouse before being converted into an art museum in 2000.
The signature Picasso curtain measures 14 meters by 10 meters, making it one of the largest works of its kind in the world.
The museum contains a 'Documentation Center' with more than 30,000 resources on art from the 1950s to the present.
The structure's historical brick architecture is a hallmark of Toulouse's 'Pink City' aesthetic.
Les Abattoirs is a museum of modern and contemporary art housed in a repurposed municipal slaughterhouse built in the early 19th century. The museum's permanent collection focuses on art created after 1950, featuring over 4,000 works including paintings, sculptures, and installations. The facility serves as the FRAC Occitanie-Toulouse, functioning as both a gallery and a regional contemporary art fund. The building's industrial heritage is preserved in its expansive, vaulted brick architecture. The centerpiece of the collection is Picasso's massive stage curtain, 'La Dépouille du Minotaure en costume d'Arlequin'. Temporary exhibitions frequently rotate to highlight experimental movements and international contemporary artists. The museum also features a specialized library and a documented archive center. It maintains a partnership with the neighboring Raymond VI Garden.
The wide, industrial hall containing the massive Picasso stage curtain.
Check the official website for rotating exhibition schedules before arrival to see which wing is currently featured.
Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent Jardin Raymond VI for views of the Garonne River.
Use the museum’s lockers for large bags, as they are not permitted in the galleries.
Do not overlook the basement levels, which often house smaller, site-specific installations that are frequently missed by casual visitors.
Closed on Mondays and some public holidays.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use without flash; maintain a respectful distance from canvases.
