Musée Massey

In the heart of Tarbes, a charming town in the Hautes-Pyrénées region of Occitanie, France, lies the Musée Massey, a treasure trove of art, history, and culture. This remarkable museum, nestled within the picturesque Jardin Massey, offers visitors a unique blend of historical artifacts, fine art, and a glimpse into the region's rich heritage.

The Origins of Musée Massey

The Musée Massey owes its existence to Placide Massey, a renowned botanist who served as the director of the Trianon nurseries and the Queen's vegetable garden in Versailles. Massey, a native of Tarbes, envisioned creating a natural history museum in his hometown. Upon his death in 1853, he bequeathed a part of his estate to the city, including an exquisite garden and the unfinished museum building, designed in an oriental style by architect Jean-Jacques Latour. The building, with its distinctive observation tower offering panoramic views of the Pyrenees, is a masterpiece in itself.

Exploring the Collections

The Musée Massey reopened in 2012 after an extensive renovation, transforming it into a modern museum that meets contemporary standards of conservation and presentation. The museum's collections are spread across two floors, each offering a distinct experience for visitors.

The Historical Hussars Collection

One of the museum's most celebrated collections is the historical Hussars collection, which has gained international acclaim. This extensive collection features over 15,000 objects spanning 400 years of history, from the 16th to the 20th century, and representing 30 different countries. The collection was initiated in 1955 by Marcel Boulin, the museum's curator at the time, to highlight the connection between the Anglo-Arab horse breeding and the presence of Hussar regiments stationed in Tarbes.

The exhibition takes visitors on a chronological journey through the epic history of the Hussars, from 1545 to 1945. Using multimedia technologies, the display includes 200 mannequins and busts, 600 weapons, and a hundred paintings by renowned artists such as Horace Vernet, Ernest Meissonnier, and Édouard Detaille. This immersive experience allows visitors to delve into the world of these elite cavalry units and their significant role in military history.

The Fine Arts Collection

The museum's fine arts collection is equally impressive, with a rich assortment of works donated by Achille Jubinal, a 19th-century deputy of the Hautes-Pyrénées and former mayor of Bagnères-de-Bigorre. The collection encompasses masterpieces from the Italian school of the 16th and 17th centuries, featuring artists like Girolamo del Pacchia, Matteo Rosselli, Donato Creti, and Antonio Pellegrini. Additionally, the collection includes works from the Spanish, Dutch, and Flemish schools of the 16th and 17th centuries, with notable artists such as Pieter Coecke van Aelst, Hans Vredeman de Vries, Peter Wtewael, and Frans II Francken.

The French school is well-represented with works from the 17th and 18th centuries, including pieces by Jean Tassel and Jean-Baptiste Leprince, as well as 19th-century artists like Baron Gérard, Jean-Léon Gérôme, and Charles-François Daubigny. The collection has been further enriched by donations from the Fould family and the Société académique des Hautes-Pyrénées, as well as state deposits. Among the 20th-century highlights is Maurice Utrillo's painting La préfecture des Hautes-Pyrénées à Tarbes (1935) and various works by local artist Henri Borde.

Bigorre and Four Valleys: Arts and Traditions

The Musée Massey also houses an ethnographic collection titled Bigorre and Four Valleys, which focuses on the rural life and agropastoralism of the region. This collection features over 6,000 objects that illustrate the lifestyles and behaviors of the inhabitants of the Hautes-Pyrénées. The ethnographic and archaeological artifacts provide a comprehensive view of the region's history and its people, highlighting the diverse aspects of an agro-pastoral society.

Other Sites Managed by Musée Massey

In addition to its main collections, the Musée Massey oversees several other significant sites in Tarbes. One such site is the birthplace of Marshal Foch, a beautiful Bigourdan-style house in the historic district. This museum showcases memorabilia that traces the personal and public life of Marshal Foch, a prominent figure in French military history.

Another noteworthy site is the Museum of Deportation and Resistance, a place of remembrance created by veteran associations. This museum gathers memories and artifacts collected by the protagonists themselves, offering a poignant insight into the experiences of those who lived through these challenging times.

Lastly, the Carmel Exhibition Hall, housed in a former chapel, hosts contemporary art exhibitions, providing a platform for modern artistic expression in Tarbes.

In conclusion, the Musée Massey is more than just a museum; it is a cultural hub that celebrates the rich history, art, and traditions of Tarbes and the Hautes-Pyrénées region. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply looking to explore the cultural heritage of this charming town, the Musée Massey offers a captivating and enriching experience for all visitors.