About Opened in 1995, this quickly became one of the city's most important museums. Housed in the magnificent Hôtel Assézat (built in 1555, with a 16th-c. courtyard), the museum offers an overview of 5 centuries of European art, with world-class paintings from the Renaissance to the late 19th century.
The nucleus of the collection represents the lifelong work of collector extraordinaire Georges Bemberg, of a German-French family, who donated 331 works. The largest bequest was 28 paintings by Pierre Bonnard, including his Moulin Rouge. Bemberg also donated works by Pissarro, Matisse (Vue d'Antibes), and Monet, plus the Fauves. The foundation owns Canaletto's much-reproduced Vue de Mestre as well.
Designed in 1555 for the rich pastel merchant, Pierre Assezat, this beautiful private mansion in Toulouse has been superbly restored. It now houses the personal collection of Georges Bemberg. While paintings have pride of place, there are also bronze sculptures and other objects on display.