the dome of La Grave opens its doors on September 17
The dome has had a makeover. Under construction for several months, one of Toulouse’s most emblematic monuments is opening to the public. Overlooking the Garonne, the dome of the Grave has been completely restored. And from Saturday September 17, 2022, Toulouse residents and tourists can discover what is hidden under the renovated dome of La Grave.
What is hidden under the dome of La Grave
The St. Joseph’s Chapel is one of the buildings of Toulouse the most photographed. Its turquoise dome watches over the city of Toulouse. If its facades are known, the interior remains mysterious to say the least. Rich in history, the monument conceals many secrets.
For a long time, access to the dome was reserved for residents of La Grave Hospital. It was in 2015 that the CHU, then owner of the St. Joseph’s Chapelentrusts the management of the historic monument to the town hall of Toulouse, at the request of its mayor Jean-Luc Moudenc. The objective of this transfer: to restore the site and open it to Toulouse residents.
Complete restoration of the sets
The town hall of Toulouse specifies that the “work has made it possible to secure the building, the renovation of the dome, the exterior part and the chapel”. This delicate work on the listed building was carried out under the supervision of the chief architect of Historic Monuments, Pierre-Yves Caillault.
Originally, faux marble and trompe-l’œil painted on the brick allowed the space to be colored. Altered by time, these decorations have found a second youth thanks to the restoration work. Here, in the heart, central part of the chapel”, explains the town hall of Toulouse.
The construction site took into account so many modifications such as the restoration of faux marble wall decorations, paintings, sculptures, stained glass windows and furniture, consolidation of the frameworks, recovery of the vaults and ceilings, bringing the electricity up to standard, heating, lighting…
Reopening in September
The St. Joseph’s Chapel was deconsecrated in 2015 and after all these renovations, it then found a new vocation: that of making visitors discover its history. The most curious could then find a discovery trail in which many activities will be offered:
- touch tables installed in front of the altar and in the rotundas;
- films on life in La Grave at the time of the Grand Refermement (period of the 17th century during which the poor were welcomed in hospitals);
- exhibition of religious objects in the old sacristy;
- interviews with historians;
- testimonials from Toulouse residents who have worked or been treated in hospital.
A new use for the monument in order to learn about its history and its link with the hospital.