Collecting memories
Writing the history of Les Abattoirs together
Les Abattoirs is a name steeped in history. Established in 1825 in a building designed by the architect Urbain Vitry, the slaughterhouses remained in operation until 1988. Few traces remain of this former way of life, which nevertheless left its mark on the city and its residents. From its former purpose to its current use as a venue dedicated to modern and contemporary art, the institution wishes to reach out to those who knew it, lived through it and passed through its doors. Today, we invite you to share your memories so that, together, we can create a living history of the place.
Your memories, our history
Neighbourhood life, work, everyday activities, moments spent within the walls of this building, anecdotes… these are all precious traces that we would like to collect and highlight in order to write the history of this place through the eyes of those who knew it. With this in mind, Les Abattoirs is calling on anyone who wishes to share a story, a memory, an object, a photograph or a document linked to the site’s past.
Collecting today to pass on tomorrow
Every account counts. Recorded testimonies and photographed objects will form part of a future project to showcase the site’s history and will be added to the establishment’s archives. Your contribution will become part of Les Abattoirs’ collective memory.
Preserving tangible and intangible heritage together
Participants undertake, as far as possible, to retain the objects they share, which may be preserved in the archive through photography. As for the stories shared, they will become part of the museum’s intangible heritage, where they will continue to live on and inspire.
How to take part
The memory-gathering session will take place on Saturday 19 September 2026 from 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm. Sound producer Marie Cheneval will be present to collect and record your stories, memories and recollections during a conversation lasting around 30 minutes.
To help us organise this half-day event, please register in advance by emailing Anna Roussel at: anna.roussel@lesabattoirs.org
Please register by Wednesday 16 September
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Marie Cheneval is a sound producer. She produces audio documentaries, radio reports, sound bites and audiobooks, and also runs workshops on listening and sound creation.
Marie Cheneval enjoys working with sound material, bringing stories to life and giving a voice to people, experiences and fragments of life. Each project is an invitation to listen in a different way and to discover what connects us.
She has notably produced a podcast exploring the history of the Cartoucherie in Toulouse.
“France Télévisions ICI Occitanie” is a partner in the project to document the history of Les Abattoirs