Les Abattoirs (The Slaughterhouse), Toulouse

Les Abattoirs (The Slaughterhouse) is a prominent cultural institution that uniquely combines a museum of modern and contemporary art with a regional collection of contemporary art. Situated in Toulouse within the Occitanie region, this establishment is housed in a historic 19th-century building that originally served as a municipal slaughterhouse. The building itself, designed by architect Urbain Vitry and operational from 1823 until 1988, became a historical monument in 1990.

The museum, which opened its doors in 2000, emerged from a collaboration aimed at consolidating various art collections and transforming the former slaughterhouse into a vibrant space for art and culture. This transformation was led by architects Antoine Stinco and Rémi Papillault, culminating in a facility that now offers galleries, a library, workshops, an auditorium, a bookstore, and a restaurant, in addition to its expansive art collections.

Les Abattoirs holds approximately 3,880 works and objects from diverse origins, spanning modern to contemporary periods. The collection's chronological range extends from 1934, starting with a piece by Alberto Magnelli, to works as recent as 2020 from artists like Teresa Margolles. The museum benefits greatly from significant donations, including works from art collector Anthony Denney, part of gallerist Daniel Cordier's collection, the former Labège Regional Center for Contemporary Art, and the Frac Midi-Pyrénées collection. Despite their integration, the museum's and the Frac's collections remain administratively separate, each contributing to the rich tapestry of art displayed.

Positioned on the left bank of the Garonne, Les Abattoirs not only focuses on the preservation and exhibition of these artworks but also plays a critical role in promoting the understanding and appreciation of modern and contemporary art. It fulfills this through a wide range of activities as part of its cultural public service mission, enhancing public engagement with art in various forms. Recognized as a "Museum of France," Les Abattoirs stands as a testament to the city's commitment to cultural heritage and contemporary artistic expression.