Things to do in Provence: Yves Brayer Museum
If you’re looking for something to do in Provence you should visit The Yves Brayer Museum. Located in the idyllic village of Les Baux-de-Provence, near Benvengudo Hotel, the Museum is dedicated to showcasing the work of one of the most talented French artists of the 20th Century.
Who was Yves Brayer?
Yves Brayer was born during the splendour of pre-World War One Versailles in 1907. After spending his childhood in Bourges, the future artisan moved to Paris in 1924, where he attended a number of artistic academies, before setting off for Spain, Morroco and Italy in the later 1920’s and 30’s, eventually settling in Paris.
Brayer quickly established himself as a talented artist in inter-war France. Like many of his contemporaries, Brayer devoted a plethora of his work in this period to chronicling the trials and tribulations of everyday life.
The countryside of Provence changes Yves Brayer’s life
Brayer initially took up a position as costume-and-set designer for a ballet at the Opera de Paris, where he devoted his time to illustrating the occupied and eventually liberated city until the end of the war in 1945. This is the year Brayer’s life changed.
On a visit to Provence, Brayer was inspired by the architectural nature of the regions countryside. He was particularly inspired by the fact that no human hand had played a part in creating the regions architectural splendour.
The French painter became particularly fascinated by the huge expanse of Camargue filled with white horses and black bulls, as well as the diverse forms and limestone folds of the Alpilles. Brayer went on to spend several months every year in Provence, drawing on the power of its natural beauty to create some truly stunning pieces of art.
What can you expect at Yves Brayer Museum?
The Yves Brayer Museum, located in Les Baux-de-Provence, is only a short walk away from Benvengudo Hotel.
Since its opening in 1991, the Yves Brayer Museum has dedicated itself to showcasing the work one of the 20th Century’s most talented creatives. Visit the Museum and you will have the chance to view more than a hundred of Brayers canvas paintings, watercolours and drawings.
Opening times and admittance fees at Yves Brayer Museum
You’ll have plenty of opportunity to visit the Museum whilst on holiday in Provence:
- Open daily from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 6.30pm.
- From November to March it opens daily 11am to 12pm and 2pm to 5.30pm except Tuesdays, when it’s closed.
- The museum is closed annually from January to February.
A visit to the museum is extremely good value:
- The price for adults is €5.00 per person.
- The museum provides a special discount if you book as part of a group. It costs €3.00 per person to visit the Yves Brayer Museum as part of a group.
- Entrance to the museum is free for those under the age of 18.
Visit the Yves Brayer Museum
Yves Brayer (1907 – 1990) was a skilled artist who left a legacy of paintings which depict ordinary life in inter-war and post-war France. Visit the Yves Brayer Museum when you’re in Provence and experienced this unique showcase of work by one of the country’s most inspiring painters.
Benvengudo Hotel is a 4 star luxury boutique hotel located in Les Baux-de-Provence. Set in an authentic Provencal country house, its idyllic location offers a perfect base from which to explore this remarkable region in the South of France.
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