Musée Massey
Musée Massey can be found at the centre of Massey Gardens in the former Moorish-style residence of famous botanist Placide Massey,
with an observation tower overlooking the Pyrennes that is most definitely worth the detour, for a photo!
The Musée International des Hussards
A one-of-a-kind collection that the whole family will enjoy!
The museum will take visitors 400 years back through history with more than 15,000 objects on display, showcasing the period of the Hussars, that remain even today, one of the most unique and distinctive types of light cavalrymen.
What exactly is a Hussar?
This designation of elite light cavalrymen first appeared in Hungary in the 16th century (1545) and then spread throughout Europe and even to several countries across the Americas in the 17th century.
The highlights of the visitor’s tour showcase the strategic originality that led to the creation of the ‘Hussar phenomenon’, then its expansion across the globe between the 16th and 20th century. The origin of the Hussars remains rooted in Hungarian identity, and Tarbes has taken on the role of keeping this tradition alive for France.
The ‘Hussar’ style is still very much sought-after!
The collection includes a spectacular display of 150 models portrayed in full uniform, alongside busts, items of clothing and equipment, portraying just how rich and diverse this traditional fashion is, that originated with these cavalrymen who have proudly worn it for over four centuries.
The hussar ‘pelisse’ over-jacket and busby have survived through the centuries and fashion designers are still inspired by this style today!
The Musée des Beaux-Arts
A selection of the most characteristic masterpieces
Achille Jubinal, art collector and MP for the Hautes-Pyrénées, is behind the fine arts collection of Musée Massey from the 19th century.
This collection is renewed on a regular basis and includes some major Dutch and Flemish artworks from the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as some French pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Visitors will be able to come and admire the masterpieces of the collection in a themed tour centred around mythology and religious art.
.Some of the artworks from the museum’s reserves are presented at the temporary exhibitions.
Events at the Musée Massey
Some great opportunities to learn something new
All year round, there are workshops suitable for children and for the whole family (adapted for the visually impaired) and guided tours.
A closer look at the museum’s workshops:
These artistic workshops are a great opportunity for children and teenagers to come and try their hand at various techniques including drawing and painting, and they’ll be exploring the museum at the same time.
These little artists will also see what its like to be art adventurers!
There are also family workshops where the parents and grandparents can come and create an artwork together with the children.
An original way to discover the museum as a family!
All year round, you can make a booking for group tours (with a tour guide or self-guided tour), available in French, English and Spanish.
Bookings are compulsory
Added bonus
A fun games booklet for visiting the museum as a family!
With this games booklet, children can visit the museum independently. The museum’s mascot, Placide the squirrel, will guide the children and invite them to observe, read and write as they wander around the collections. A surprise will be waiting for them at the front desk at the end of their visit.
Find out more
- Do you want to find out more about the hussar’s horses? Then we recommend you visit the Haras de Tarbes!
- As soon as it gets a bit warmer, from April to October, you can go on a horse-drawn carriage ride as a family around the beautiful Massey Gardens!
Contact details
Access the museum via the north entrance to Massey Gardens
Rue Achille Jubinal – 65000 Tarbes
publics.musees@mairie-tarbes.fr
Opening hours
1 October to 30 April
Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 5.30pm
Closed on 25 December and 1 January
2 May to 30 September
Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6.30pm
Closed on May 1st
Tours for groups
Approximate duration: 1.5 hours
Disabled access: YES
Access the 1st floor using the lift at the main entrance
Wheelchairs are available at the reception desk.
Pets allowed: NO
Prices
Guided tour
Full: €5 / person (including entrance to Maison Foch)
Group of at least 10 people: €2.50 / person
Free: Under 18s, job seekers, students
Free: the first Sunday of every month
Free: on Wednesdays for a adult with at least one child
Family day pass: €5 / 2 adults + children
Museums annual pass: €10 / person (admission to all the museums of Tarbes)
Workshops
Children’s workshop: free
Family workshop: €10
Workshop suitable for all, adapted to the visually impaired: €2
Guided tour (group of 25 people max): €25
You will also enjoy…
Massey Gardens
Placide Massey (1777–1853), the king’s landscape gardener, donated this extraordinary garden, classified a ‘Remarkable Garden’, to Tarbes.
The Haras de Tarbes
If we were to hear the story of Tarbes’ history, it would always come back to the town’s Haras (stud farm).
The highlights of our town
We invite you to come and discover the charm of Tarbes’ old town, its narrow streets and its secrets.
Marshal Foch's childhood home
Come and visit this house in the historic town centre of Tarbes, admire the typical architecture of the Pyrenees and just take in the atmosphere which will whisk you away into the past…
