The castle of Taurines
Built in the 13th century, the medieval castle of Taurines is transformed over time into a Renaissance residence. The lords of Taurines, who evolved among the highest strata of Rouergue, gradually abandoned him. Then began a slow abandonment, accelerated by the partial ruin of the castle and the looting of the 19th and 20th centuries.
From 1952 to 1981, the castle belonged to several successive owners, including the American lyrical artist Margueritte d'Husse. In 1981, the municipality of Centrès acquired it. An association of volunteers then restores life to the site, in collaboration with the Compagnons du Devoir, who bring essential know-how to the restoration.
Their work allowed the realization of true masterpieces: the monumental door, the last flight of stairs with its high balustrade, the pendant key vault and the summit masonry of the tower, as well as the monumental chimney of the first floor.
An Association for the Animation of the Castle was created to save this heritage, in the heart of Ségala. His efforts have been rewarded by several national awards, including the Chefs-d'œuvre en péril prize of Antenne 2, distinctions at the Chantiers de bénévoles competition, including a first national award, as well as the Restauration des Vieilles Maisons Françaises prize.
To finance part of the work, volunteers organize many cultural activities. It is in this momentum that the first initiatives to disseminate contemporary art in the department are born.
In 2025, the municipality of Centrès receives the prestigious Territoire de culture award, which rewards a clear, ambitious and recent cultural policy. This distinction takes into account actions, mediations and cultural events that highlight local assets, strengthen the territory’s influence and promote access to culture for as many people as possible.
Since 1985, the Château de Taurines has been celebrating contemporary art in a rural environment, with forty years of daring and committed exhibitions. Between 2002 and 2016, a strong partnership with the Abattoirs, Musée - Frac Occitanie Toulouse, allowed the presentation of twenty-eight major exhibitions, affirming the castle as a place of dialogue between heritage and contemporary creation.
