The History of Collection Bemberg
The Collection Bemberg originated from the private acquisitions of Georges Bemberg. Born in 1915, Bemberg was an Argentine-born, French-speaking collector who descended from a Cologne industrial family. His personal efforts in gathering art resulted in a collection that spans from the 15th to the 20th century. He spent much of his life in France, where he eventually established the foundation that preserves his legacy.
Rather than leaving his holdings to a state institution, Bemberg chose to bequeath the collection to a foundation bearing his name. This foundation operates as an independent legal entity. It is managed by a board of directors, which was chaired by Bemberg himself. This structure ensures the autonomy of the institution and the continued preservation of the works he assembled.
The collection is situated in Toulouse, France. It is housed within the Hôtel d'Assézat, a Renaissance building that serves as the site for these works. The foundation's existence allows for the public accessibility of these paintings, sculptures, and objects, maintaining the continuity of Bemberg's specific vision for the collection.
The Architecture of Hôtel d'Assézat
The collection is housed within the Hôtel d'Assézat, a Renaissance hôtel particulier located at 7 Place d'Assézat, 31000 Toulouse, France. This 16th-century structure provides the physical framework for the collection, with three-quarters of the works on view within its walls. The building's architectural character is defined by its historical significance and its specific layout, which includes a loggia.
Beyond its role as a repository for art, the building serves a dual purpose. It also houses the Académies et Sociétés savantes. The integration of these scholarly institutions within the Renaissance residence maintains the building's long-standing connection to the intellectual and civic life of Toulouse.
The Diverse Art Collections
The collection comprises approximately 1,100 works spanning from the 15th to the 20th century. These objects include paintings, sculptures, and various art objects such as bronzes, enamels, appliques, and pastels. The selection reflects a broad historical scope, moving from the Renaissance through the modern era.
The holdings include works by several significant figures of the European tradition. Notable artists represented in the collection are Matisse, Picasso, and Bruegel. The assortment also features pieces by Mary Cassatt, Paul Gauguin, and Pierre Bonnard. These works are distributed throughout the Hôtel d'Assézat, with three-quarters of the collection visible to the public.
- Venus and Cupid, c. 1530 - Lucas Cranach the Elder
- Portrait of a little boy, 1888 - Paul Gauguin
- The Moulin Rouge, 1896 - Pierre Bonnard
- Still Life with Fish, 1907 - Maurice de Vlaminck
Masterpieces of the Collection
The collection contains significant works spanning several centuries, from the Renaissance to the early twentieth century. Lucas Cranach’s Venus and Cupid (c. 1530) represents the earlier period of the holdings. This is accompanied by works from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, such as Paul Gauguin’s Head of a Young Boy (1888) and Pâris Bordone’s Le Rapt de Proserpine.
The later acquisitions reflect the developments of modern painting. Paul Sérusier’s Fern Harvesters in the Bois d'Armour (c. 1910) and Henry-Edmund Cross’s La Chaine des Maures (1906–07) are central to this group. Maurice de Vlaminck’s Still Life with Fish (1907) is also held within the collection.
- Venus and Cupid, c. 1530
- Head of a Young Boy, 1888
- Fern Harvesters in the Bois d'Armour, c. 1910
- La Chaine des Maures, 1906–07
- Still Life with Fish, 1907
Visiting the Museum
The Fondation Bemberg is open from August to April, operating Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. On the first Tuesday of each month, the institution extends its hours for a late-night session, remaining open until 20:00. For those requiring accessibility, PMR access is available via rue de l'écharpe.
Admission for adults is 18 €. A reduced rate of 14 € is provided for students, lecturers, companions, and individuals with PMR status. Children between the ages of 10 and 18 years are admitted at a rate of 12 €. Entry is free for children under 10 years of age.