THE PROVENÇAL COSTUME AND JEWELLERY MUSEUM

During my frequent trips to the South of France, I had the pleasure to visit on different occasions la Ville de Grasse, a beautiful medieval town rich in history with charming Baroque and provençal architecture that has earned it the title City of Art and History and World Capital of Perfumery. It is in Grasse that I discovered the Provençal Museum of Costume and Jewellery which is an authentic testimony of the rich heritage of the region and life of its residents in the 18th and 19th centuries. Located in the Hotel de Cabris - a beautiful 17th century mansion and former residence of Clapier - Cabris family which was one of the most distinguished noble families of Provence, the museum displays exquisite private collections of Provençal costumes and jewellery à l’ancienne.

Provençal artisan dress, 1850 Photo credit: Fragonard

Costume from Arles region, cca. 1780 Photo credit - Fragonard

Traditional costumes from Arles region

The charming Provençal costumes and jewellery are displayed in a series of captivating private rooms - a recollection of the charm and authenticity of the period, inviting the visitor to a fascinating voyage back in time.

Private room displaying a domestic scene

Private room displaying a noble woman and her servant attending to her appearance

The collection comprises exquisite wedding gowns as well as simple villager or artisan’s dresses, capes, petticoats, but also beautiful examples of gem-adorned jewellery, worn during the traditional ceremonies, passionately gathered together by Helene Costa - the passionate costume collector, during her travels across Provence.

Bastidane shawl in embroidered mouslin 18th century, Photo Credit: Fragonard

French-style dress in Lyonnaise silk cca. 1780, Photo credit: Fragonard

Maintenon cross on silk caraco , beginning of 18th century, Photo Credit: Fragonard

Papillon cross end of 18th century, Photo credit: Fragonard

The museum located not far from the perfume factory at:

2 rue Jean Ossola
06130 Grasse
FRANCE
Tel: 0033 (0) 4 93 36 44 65

www.fragonard.com