Boat Washhouse (Beteau-Lavoir) is the nickname of a building at nr 13 Rue Ravignan. Formerly a ball room and piano factory, it was converted into a cheap dwelling in late 19th century. The building was in poor state, dark, swaying and squeaking in the wind like a boat, hence the name. It is famous in the art history as the residence and meeting place of many outstanding artists, including Henri Matisse, Modigliani, Pablo Picasso. While a resident here, Picasso painted Garçon a la pipe (Boy with a pipe) and Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (The young ladies of Avignon).
