The Cloître de la Madeleine begins its transformation (written by Hisham Grégoire, journalist for La Dépêche du Midi – La Dépêche du Midi, édition du Tarn, 16.05.2025)
The Cloister of the Madeleine in Albi is about to begin renovation work. Led by two retired Americans living in the city, this project aims to preserve and enhance a heritage site that has long remained unknown, without blocking public access.
A discreet heritage gem in downtown Albi, the Cloître de la Madeleine is preparing to embark on a new chapter in its history. Two phases of work are planned this year to restore its surroundings, on the forecourt of the eponymous church.
The people behind this project are Greg Kucera and Larry Yocom, two former contemporary art gallery owners originally from Seattle, USA. Retired, they settled in Albi after several visits. “We were looking for a place to live and were captivated by the range of possibilities this city offers, its culture, and its rhythm,” they say.
In 2022, they acquired the cloister, the last vestige of the Capuchin convent, and have since been committed to its development. The site, long closed to the public, has already hosted concerts, tours, and Heritage Days. It is now classified as a Public Access Establishment. The next step: restoring the square to create a space worthy of the monument. “This is a place we want to preserve and open up to the people of Albi, not turn it into a private space,” the owners emphasize.
A two-phase project
Work is expected to begin this week and continue until early July, before resuming in mid-September and ending in late October. The first phase will involve the restoration of the long, heavily damaged brick wall. The second will focus on the staircase-ramp leading to the cloister, with the complete repair of the slab and steps, and the installation of a standard-compliant railing.
The project was planned in two phases to avoid disrupting the summer concerts held outdoors. “Even during the work, visitors will still be able to come. The cloister remains accessible,” assure Greg Kucera and Larry Yocom. They have also sought support from the Fondation du Patrimoine (Heritage Foundation) for a certification application for the staircase, and are receiving assistance from the municipal facade renovation program. The Departmental Architecture and Heritage Unit is closely monitoring the progress of the project, with guidance from Patrick Gironnet and Pierre Novella.
“The idea is to reconcile the old and the new, without distorting the site,” explains Tony Kunter, volunteer association of the Cloître de la Madeleine and co-owner. This philosophy is true to the spirit of the cloister: understated, welcoming, and always open to the unexpected.
A (Shakespeare play) will be held in the cloister on June 15, 2025, at 9 p.m. at 44 rue de la Madeleine.