In the heart of the Capitole, this impressive hall exhibits the work of Toulouse artists from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th. A highlight of the exhibition is the portrait of La Belle Paule, a delightful young girl who enchanted King François 1 and who was ordered by decree of the town councillors, known as Capitouls, to appear twice a day on her balcony in the Rue du Languedoc in order to prevent rioting among her admirers. This is also a registry office for weddings; couples from Toulouse can take their vows here, in front of Henri Martin's impressionist frescoes.

Until 1870, this building was used to pump 4000 cubic meters (141,259 cubic feet) of water to 60,000 inhabitants of Toulouse. In 1971, following a suggestion by photographer Jean Dieuzaide, it was turned it into a gallery for black and white photography. The excellent quality of its monthly exhibitions, held on the second story of the building, prove what a good idea this was. Children enjoy it too, as they can see the gear wheels through the thick glass partitions that separate the mechanisms from the public. The gallery also gives new artists the chance to display their work.

Toulouse's abattoir, which closed in 1988, is now a museum. Paintings, sculptures, and photographs by more than 700 artists from all over the world are on permanent exhibition. Always original yet sometimes shocking, the works captivate the public; particularly enchanting is Picasso's La Dépouille du Minotaure en costume d'Harlequin (1936). In addition to a media library and bookshop, the center also has lectures, guided tours, multi-media workshops and a plastic arts room for children.