The Deanery

This building was the residence of the dean, one of the 3 dignitaries of the chapter of canons of Brioude. The Deanery, a veritable fortress, remained in the hands of the Mercoeur family for a long time. In 1282, an agreement was signed between the Mercoeurs and the chapter; thus the new dean, Gaucelin de La Garde, from a family of knights of Gévaudan, began the work of restoring the building which was severely degraded. Thanks to dendrochronology (using wood, a precise dating method) it turns out that the emblazoned ceiling could not be started before 1297/1298: extremely rare heraldic decoration, carved and painted woods mixing hunting scenes and fantastic bestiary .
With the Revolution of 1789 and the disappearance of the chapter of canons, the building was sold as national property and it experienced various fortunes during the 1875th century: this is how the municipal council proposed to sell it in XNUMX. , fortunately, rejected.
During the XNUMXth century, the building was occupied by the Caisse d'Epargne, then by the media library and the Tourist Office. However, the upstairs rooms were closed for security reasons.
Since 2016, quality restoration has made it possible to assign this building to a cultural function, there are now 5 modern and contemporary art exhibition rooms that welcome visitors.

2026 Exhibition: Henri Matisse in the Adventure of Fabric
From a family of weavers and originally from the textile region, Henri Matisse collected fabrics from his region before opening it up to extra-European productions.
Decorative supports for still lifes and interiors, but also outfits for models, fabrics occupy a regular place in Matisse's work.
The exhibition aims to explore the impact of fabrics in the painter's artistic approach, whether in drawings, engravings, paintings and costumes, and to take the visitor on a journey through the influences of the West and the East in the creations of the master Matisse.

• Group reception from 10 person (s).

Visit languages

• French

Individual visit services

• Unguided individual tours on request
• Guided individual tours on request

Group visits services

• Unguided group visits on request
• Guided group tours on request

Payment method

• Bank / credit card
• Cheque
• Classic Holiday Vouchers
• Cash

Equipment

• Parking in the area
• Show room
• Elevator
• Toilet

Services

• Shop
• Guided tours

Activities on site

• Temporary exhibitions

Accessible tourism

• Access for self-propelled wheelchairs
• Reserved place for people with reduced mobility
• Ramp