Abbaye de Beaulieu-en-Rouergue
Facts and practical information
Nestled in the serene countryside of southern France, the Abbaye de Beaulieu-en-Rouergue is a historic gem that doubles as a remarkable museum. This former Cistercian abbey, founded in 1144, is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Middle Ages and now serves as a cultural beacon, embracing the world of contemporary art.
The abbey is renowned for its elegant, yet austere Gothic architecture, which is characteristic of the Cistercian order's emphasis on simplicity and contemplation. Throughout its storied past, the abbey has withstood the vicissitudes of time, including war and secularization, to emerge as a site of profound historical and artistic significance.
In the latter part of the 20th century, the Abbaye de Beaulieu-en-Rouergue underwent a transformation when it was bequeathed to the French state with the stipulation that it should foster the arts. Fulfilling this vision, the abbey now houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, offering a unique juxtaposition of the old and the new.
Visitors to the Abbaye de Beaulieu-en-Rouergue can explore the tranquil cloisters, the church with its soaring vaults, and the refectory, all while admiring works by notable artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum's collection includes pieces by renowned figures in modern art, providing a platform for dialogue between the monastic heritage of the abbey and the creative expressions of today.
Occitanie