MUSEE DE LA FAIENCE

Enter the heart of the artistic city, and discover its heritage! Exhibits, collections and the history of earthenware, a presentation of the Gallo-Roman villa at Chiragan, the battle of Saint-Vidian, and a room dedicated to the famous annual Salon des Arts et du Feu.

Musée de la faïence et du patrimoine martrais.
The former town hall and its adjoining prison stood in place of the small garden in front of the tourist office. In 1954, you could still see the façade of the prison, which was used mainly after the Revolution.
Three old houses followed, including that of a grocer and a wheelwright. This block of buildings, renovated in 2006, is now home to the Martrais Heritage Interpretation Centre or Musée de la faïence. Here you can discover the areas dedicated to the earthenware makers and other craftsmen and artists of Martres-Tolosane, the history of the Gallo-Roman villa of Chiragan and the legend of Saint-Vidian.
The designs of Martres earthenware have changed a great deal since 1739, but the makers still honour the traditional motifs, in particular the Martres rose and the ibis, the bird that symbolises the village.

Enter the heart of the Musée de la Faïencerie and discover its heritage! Exhibits, collections and the history of earthenware, a presentation of the Gallo-Roman villa at Chiragan, the battle of Saint-Vidian and a room dedicated to the famous annual Salon des Arts et du Feu.
The Musée de la Faïencerie emerges like an enchanted treasure trove where the art and history of ceramics come to life. Nestled in this captivating space, visitors are transported on a journey through the ages as they explore the techniques and creations that have marked the history of earthenware. The carefully curated exhibitions showcase a range of pieces, from the earliest stages of craftsmanship to the most contemporary artistic achievements. Each object on display, whether precious crockery, decorative creations or functional works of art, reveals the evolution of the craft.

In front of the building, you can admire the resin sculpture "Woman and child moulding pottery" by Toulouse artist Jean-Louis TOUTAIN (1948-2008). You can discover the village by watching a short 5-minute film presenting the village and its history.

Located in the town's historic centre, the exhibition is housed in a 380m2 building that brings together three old houses that have been completely remodelled. It showcases the work of the four Martres earthenware manufacturers and their European partners (Modra and Naval), as well as a collection of old and contemporary earthenware and the work of Martres earthenware manufacturers with various guests of honour at the Salon des Arts et du Feu. A small room is also used for temporary exhibitions throughout the year.