Annonciade Museum Saint-Tropez: the temple of modern art on the French Riviera
From the end of the 19th century, Saint Tropez It became a haven for artists seeking inspiration under the Provençal sun. Since then, the town has become a major center for modern art. The Musée de l'Annonciade Saint-Tropez is dedicated to showcasing the works of the greatest 20th-century artists from the Pointillist, Fauvist, and Nabis movements. Discover the history of this place and how to plan your visit with EDEN CAB.
The Annonciade Museum in Saint-Tropez: a place steeped in history
The museum is located in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Annunciation, built by the White Penitents brotherhood in the 16th century. During the French Revolution, alterations were made, including the removal of the bell tower and the repair of the roof, to transform the chapel into a shipbuilding workshop.
In 1937, the upper floor was transformed into " Museon Tropelen and showcases the greatest names in 20th-century painting who worked in Saint-Tropez, including Paul Signac and other painter friends like Henri Person. It wasn't until the 1950s that a major renovation transformed the building. The modifications were led by the architect Louis SĂĽe. From this emerged the Annonciade Museum, Saint-Tropez which is now one of the largest museums dedicated to modern art on the French Riviera.
What can one visit at the Annonciade Museum?
The building comprises eight rooms that house a permanent collection of paintings created between 1890 and 1950. In addition to paintings, the museum also includes drawings and sculptures. It features various works from the Pointillist movement, including pieces by Paul Signac, Henri-Edmond Cross, Maximilien Luce, Georges Seurat, and Jeanne Selmersheim-Desgrange.
The symbolists of the Nabis movement are represented by Edouard Vuillard, for example, with Annette's soup created in 1900 or Pierre Bonnard with Naked in front of the fireplace Painted in 1919.
Fauvist artists such as Raoul Dufy, Albert Marquet, Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, Kees van Dongen, Maurice de Vlaminck or Roger de La Fresnaye also benefit from a space on the walls of the museum.
Temporary exhibitions
The museum also organizes two temporary exhibitions each year, highlighting specific artistic movements, works, or artists. In 2026, the temporary exhibition is dedicated to Henri Person, a prominent notary from Saint-Tropez. It runs from February 11 to October 4, 2026. Intergenerational workshops are also organized, particularly during the summer months, as well as workshops for young audiences.
Organizing your visit to the Annonciade Museum in Saint-Tropez
Ideally located on Place Georges Grammont, right at the entrance to the Old Port of Saint-Tropez, the museum is housed in the unique setting of the former chapel of the Annunciation.
- Walk : The monument is extremely easy to access, just a few steps from the famous cafe terraces that line the quays.
- By car : If you are coming from outside the city, the Port car park and the Parking des Lices are the two closest parking options for you to park in the immediate vicinity.
The best times to avoid the crowds
To fully appreciate the serenity of the place and admire the masterpieces of Matisse or Signac without the summer crowds, opt for a visit as soon as it opens in the morning (around 10:00 AM). It's traditionally much quieter then, as most visitors are still enjoying the beach or the terraces. Late afternoons, from 4:30 PM onwards, are quieter as vacationers begin their return from the beach.
Guided tours and themed evening events in summer
During the peak summer season, the Musée de l'Annonciade enhances its visitor experience by offering exclusive tour formats:
- Guided tours: Led by expert guides, they help to decipher the fascinating history of this former 16th-century chapel and to understand how Saint-Tropez became one of the major centers of the artistic avant-garde (pointillism, fauvism).
- Themed evening events: The museum organizes evening visits for cultural events such as the European Night of Museums. During the summer months, it remains open until 19 p.m.
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Continue your day: from the Annonciade to other points of interest in Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez has so much to offer. After a visit to the Musée de l'Annonciade, here are some other sites worth a visit.
- The museum tour If you're a keen art and culture enthusiast, explore the other must-see museums in town, such as the Gendarmerie and Cinema Museum or the Butterfly House. Don't miss the major events like the Bravades of Saint-Tropez either.
- Sites and monuments Saint-Tropez has several sites and monuments that are absolutely worth discovering, such as Brigitte Bardot's Madrague, the Citadel of Saint-Tropez, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption or the magnificent Moutte park.
To explore all the wonders Saint-Tropez has to offer with complete peace of mind, don't hesitate to book a luxury vehicle with a private chauffeur at EDEN CABWe will be happy to take you to the most beautiful sites on the French Riviera.
