Maison Jean Vilar
The Maison Jean Vilar is the only permanent site in the world dedicated to the history of the Festival d'Avignon and the legacy of its founder, the visionary theatre director Jean Vilar. Run jointly by the Association Jean Vilar and the Bibliotheque nationale de France (BnF), it offers free access to a treasure trove of performing arts archives, original costumes, historic posters, and over 1,800 video recordings of landmark theatrical performances.
The memory bank of French theatre
Jean Vilar (1912-1971) transformed Avignon from a quiet Provencal city into the global capital of theatre when he founded the Festival d'Avignon in 1947. As director of the Theatre National Populaire (TNP) from 1951 to 1963, he pioneered the idea that great theatre should not be the preserve of the Parisian elite but should belong to everyone. The Maison Jean Vilar, housed in the 17th-century Hôtel de Crochans just steps from Place de l'Horloge, preserves and celebrates that vision.
What you will see
The building operates as both a museum and a living branch of the BnF's Performing Arts Department. The permanent collection includes original stage costumes, set models, promptbooks, 15,000 theatrical posters, and 70,000 photographs documenting decades of Festival history. The video library is the real hidden gem - 1,800 recordings of historic performances and 1,400 audio archives, available to watch on dedicated workstations. Rotating temporary exhibitions explore themes in contemporary theatre, dance, and performance design.
Why it is special
For theatre lovers, this is a pilgrimage. Where else can you sit down and watch a recording of a legendary 1960s TNP production, then walk outside and stand in the Cour d'Honneur where it was performed? But even for visitors with only a casual interest in the performing arts, the building itself - a beautiful hôtel particulier with a tranquil inner courtyard - is a welcome escape from the summer crowds. The courtyard is one of the most peaceful spots in central Avignon.
Practical information
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 2 PM to 6 PM. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. During the Festival d'Avignon in July, hours expand significantly with a packed daily programme of readings, debates, press conferences, and special exhibitions. Admission is free.
Who is it for?
Theatre and performing arts enthusiasts, Festival d'Avignon devotees, researchers and students of French cultural history, and anyone looking for a quiet, free, and culturally rich stop in the heart of the old town. Allow about 1 hour for the exhibitions, or 2 to 3 hours if you want to dive into the video archives.
Pair it with
The Maison sits directly behind the Mairie, two minutes from Place de l'Horloge. Walk north to the Palais des Papes - the very place where Vilar staged his first festivals - or south to the Palais du Roure for a double hit of Avignon's cultural soul.