MUSEE DE LA FAIENCE

About

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.

This exceptional venue will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026. To mark the occasion, the museum’s usual exhibitions have been replaced by participatory exhibitions involving the local community, showcasing earthenware workshops past and present. The museum’s location on the map is not accurate. Where the small garden in front of the tourist office now stands, there used to be the old town hall and its adjoining prison. As late as 1954, the prison’s façade was still visible; it was used mainly after the Revolution. Next came three old houses, including those of a grocer and a wheelwright. This block of buildings was renovated over a four-year period starting in 2002. In 2006, the Martrais Heritage Interpretation Centre – now renamed the Museum of Earthenware – opened to the public. On the ground floor is the Tourist Information Office of the ‘Cœur de Garonne’ inter-municipal tourist board. Staff at the Tourist Information Office are responsible for opening the museum and providing information about it (which is located on the upper floors). Situated in the town’s historic centre, the exhibition is housed in a 380m² building comprising three fully refurbished historic houses. Admission to the museum is free and open to all. The tour begins on the ground floor, where a section is dedicated to the village’s craftspeople (and more specifically the pottery makers still in business). Here you will also discover unique pieces created in collaboration for various ‘Salons des Arts et du Feu’ – an event that has been a hallmark of the village for over 25 years. The first floor is dedicated to the history of the village, notably featuring an area on the area’s rich ancient history, including a plan of the famous Roman villa at Chiragan. There is also a room dedicated to the legend of Saint Vidian (the village’s patron saint). Another room is dedicated to the history of earthenware in France, and more specifically in Martres-Tolosane. Various objects and a short video explain the stages involved in producing earthenware in Martres. A display case is dedicated to the decorative motifs, their history and the techniques used to create them. The second floor is mainly devoted to Martres earthenware. Here, visitors can discover an impressive and magnificent collection of antique earthenware. This area offers a comprehensive overview of the various styles, motifs and depictions found in local earthenware since the early 18th century. You will also discover unique pieces created in collaboration with other artists for various editions of the ‘Salons des Arts et du Feu’, an event that has been a hallmark of the village for the past 23 years. A few pieces from European ceramics centres are also on display (Modra, Naval, etc.). A small temporary exhibition room also hosts around three exhibitions a year (featuring craft or art more broadly). This exceptional venue will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026.

Spoken languages : English – Spanish

Allez-y en liO

En train : A moins de 10 mn à pied de la gare de Martres-Tolosane ! (environ 8 min et 676 m).

En car : A moins de 10 mn à pied de l’arrêt MARTRES-TOLOSANE – Pyrénées !
Cet arrêt est situé sur les lignes : TOULOUSE – BOUSSENS – ST GIRONS
Mauran – Cazères – Saint-Gaudens

Environ 1 min (133 m).

Calculez votre itinéraire pour votre voyage en Occitanie avec les trains ou les cars LiO
Calcul itinéraires et recherche horaires

Bon plan

Pass Occitanie Rail Tour​
Choisissez le pass Occitanie Rail Tour et son tarif préférentiel pour voyager avec liO à travers la région.
www.occitanie-rail-tour.com

Location