Are you a fan of the press, cartoons and caricatures? The Museum Peynet et du Dessin Humoristique d’Antibes is for you! Thanks to this visit, we learned a great deal about the career of the illustrator Raymond Peynet (1908-1999), whom we knew only vaguely. We particularly enjoyed the temporary exhibition, which enabled us to learn more about the history of caricature.
Here are our practical tips for planning your visit to the Musée Peynet et du Dessin Humoristique in Antibes.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to the Musée Peynet et du Dessin Humoristique worthwhile?
Yes! This museum showcases the world of cartoonist Raymond Peynet (1908-1999) and some thirty other cartoonists (Daumier, Plantu, Sempé…). Raymond Peynet became world-famous for drawing a couple, later renamed Les Amoureux, in 1943. For 40 years, this drawing was used in all kinds of media, including sculpture at the Hiroshima memorial as an international symbol of peace, and on the Place Nationale in Antibes. The tour not only explores this history, but also the history of caricature. With over 800 drawings and archives, the collection regularly features thematic exhibitions.
In fact, we listed this museum in our article on the best museums in Antibes.
What you can see
Raymond Peynet’s posters
The tour begins with a look at the posters designed by Raymond Peynet. The one that most caught our attention was that of Joyeux Pélerins (1964), which heralded the release of the musical film of the same name, directed by Aimé Barelli. Looking at the figure of a couple on the left, we couldn’t help but think of the Lovers, whom we met again throughout the visit.
Illustrated newspapers
After closing his advertising agency in 1939, Raymond Peynet began drawing for the press, in particular for the humoristic magazine Ric et Rac. This activity was suspended until the end of the war in 1945. It was in 1950 that Peynet’s prestige reached a new dimension. He diversified his activities, collaborating with leading magazines(Paris-Match, Elle, Marie-France…). This heyday is represented in this showcase, which includes copies of Nice-Matin from the 1970s, just before it moved to Antibes.
The loving couple
In 1943, Raymond Peynet made a name for himself with his couple of lovers. He continued to use this illustration until the end of his career, as this gouache shows. It struck us as a tribute to Antibes, whose old town can be seen in the background. Raymond Peynet moved there permanently in 1976 and donated 268 lithographs, Chinese inks and etchings to the municipality, leading to the opening of the museum in 1989.
Peynetmania merchandise
Following the creation of the loving couple, a veritable “Peynetmania” began. We were impressed by the scale of this phenomenon, which resulted in the production of a multitude of media bearing the effigy of these characters (porcelain, theater sets, silks, jewelry, dolls, lithographs). The Les Amoureux dinnerware sets made a particularly strong impression on us!
Prints
One of the highlights of our visit: the discovery of Raymond Peynet’s prints. They allowed us to see another, darker facet of the designer’s work, in contrast to his usual drawings. 3 prints on the theme of the anguish and loneliness of city life are on display. We were delighted to be able to admire them, as it helps us to avoid a simplistic view of the illustrator.
Temporary exhibitions
Temporary exhibitions allow visitors to discover other press cartoonists, as well as the history and evolution of these humorous illustrations and caricatures. During our visit, we saw drawings by Xavier Groce, who worked for Le Monde before joining Le Point. We love his penguins with their scathing, well-informed retorts about our contemporary world. Part of the exhibition also gave us a better understanding of the history of caricatures since the 19th century.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in Provence a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on Provence, subscribe:
Museum Peynet et du Dessin Humoristique in Antibes: how to get there
Where is the museum?
- The museum is located on the Place Nationale in the Vieil Antibes district.
- It’s a 10-minute walk from the port.
Access by car and parking
Parking is difficult in the immediate vicinity of the museum, which is located in the center of Antibes. We recommend parking in a pay parking lot. Q-Park Pré aux Pécheurs and Q-Park La Poste are a 5-minute walk away.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Public transport access
The Musée Peynet et du Dessin Humoristique is close to numerous bus routes. A 5-minute walk takes you to the “Place Guynemer” stop, served by lines 5, 7, 10, 14 and 16. We recommend that you consult the transport network map on the official website here.
Visiting difficulties
The museum is not particularly challenging. It is accessible to people with reduced mobility, and offers tactile adaptation tools for the visually impaired on request.
Practical tips for visiting the Musée Peynet et du Dessin Humoristique
Schedules and prices
Here are the museum opening times:
- November to March: open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm.
- April to October: open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 12:50pm and 2pm to 6pm.
- Closed January 1, May 1, November 1 and December 25.
Museum rates are as follows:
- Full price: €3
- Reduced admission: €1.50 (students, large families…)
- Free admission for under-18s, jobseekers…
To consult the full list of free and reduced-rate beneficiaries, as well as the most up-to-date opening times, visit the official website here.
Please note that this visit is included in the Pass’Musées d’Antibes Juan-les-Pins. For €10, it gives you free access to the Musée Peynet and the Musée du Dessin Humoristique, as well as the Musée Picasso, the Fort Carré and the Musée d’Archéologie for 7 days. To find out more, click here.
How long
Allow 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in Raymont Peynet and cartooning.
Best moment
We advise you to visit in the morning to minimize the number of visitors, especially during the summer months. Then why not take a stroll through the rest of the old town? For more ideas, read our article on what to do in Antibes.
Direction of visit
We recommend that you follow the tour itinerary, which starts with the permanent collection dedicated to Raymond Peynet, followed by a temporary exhibition.
Visiting with children
A games booklet for children aged 7 to 12 is available from the museum reception desk. You can also download it from the official website here.
Eating out
Numerous restaurants are located close to the museum. To find out which one to choose, read our article on the best restaurants to eat in Antibes!
Hotels
Antibes is an ideal place to spend the night, close to Cannes and Nice. Here are our recommendations for your stay:
WHERE TO STAY IN Antibes
Option 1: near the ramparts
Close to the ramparts, to enjoy the charm of the old town and all the restaurants.
Hôtel la Villa Port – See prices, photos and availability
On the beach side (Ponteil and Salis) with views of the ramparts and mountains.
Hôtel La Jabotte – See prices, photos and availability
In Juan-les-Pins, in the heart of the peninsula.
Hôtel La Villa Cap d’Antibes – See prices, photos and availability
