Ancient art museums in France

Originally a railway station, this Beaux-Arts building now houses Musée d'Orsay, one of the largest art museums in Europe. The Musée d'Orsay in Paris is an art museum that covers the history of Western art between 1848 and 1914, with a strong emphasis on 19th-century French art. The museum has a ren

The Louvre Museum in Paris is the largest art museum in the world. The museum is located inside the Louvre Palace which was once the residence of the French kings. It began its existence as a 12th-century fortress and its parts can still be seen in today’s Louvre. The palace was turned into a public

The Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, located in Lille, is a municipal museum that is dedicated to fine arts, modern art, and antiquities. It is recognized as one of the largest art museums in France, making it a significant cultural destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Many impressionist artworks of mainly French artists are exhibited in the Musee de l'Orangerie museum near the Tuileries gardens in Paris. Paintings from the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century are on display in the museum, including works of art by Renoir, Picasso, Cézanne and man

The Unterlinden Museum, situated in the Alsace region of France, is a unique blend of history and art. It is housed in a 13th-century Dominican religious sisters' convent and a 1906 former public baths building. This combination of historical architecture provides a unique backdrop for the museum's extensive collection of artworks and artifacts.

The musée Fesch, officially known as Palais Fesch-musée des beaux-arts, is the primary museum of fine arts in Ajaccio, Corsica. It is situated within the gated Palais Fesch in the Borgu d'Ajaccio quarter of the town. The museum was established by Cardinal Joseph Fesch, an uncle of Napoleon I and a Prince of France from 1807. The museum is housed in the 19th-century Palais Fesch on Rue Cardinal Fesch.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts, located in the French city of Rouen, is a fine arts museum that was established in 1799. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the most notable regional museums in France. The museum provides an extensive overview of European art, dating back to the 15th century.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nantes, which was reopened in 2017 as the Musée d’Arts de Nantes, is a renowned French museum situated in the heart of Nantes, in the Pays de la Loire region. This museum showcases art from the 13th century to the present day, providing a comprehensive overview of various art periods and styles.

The Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame, also known as Frauenhausmuseum in German, is a renowned museum in the city of Strasbourg. It is dedicated to Upper Rhenish fine arts and decorative arts, with collections dating from the early Middle Ages until 1681. The museum is a significant cultural institution that offers a deep dive into the region's artistic history.

The Grotte Chauvet 2 Ardèche, previously known as Caverne du Pont-d’Arc, is a world-renowned replica of the nearby Chauvet Cave located in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc. This replica was created with the intention of showcasing the cave's ancient paintings to the public in an authentic environment, without posing any risk to the original artworks. This replica is the largest of its kind in the world.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Strasbourg, located in the Alsace region of France, is the city's collection of old master paintings. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the city, showcasing a wide range of artworks from various periods and styles. It provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the rich artistic heritage of Strasbourg and the surrounding region.

Font-de-Gaume is a significant prehistoric site located near Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil in the Dordogne department of south-west France. The cave is renowned for its polychrome cave paintings and engravings that date back to the Magdalenian period. These artworks provide a glimpse into the lives and artistic expressions of our prehistoric ancestors.

The Jacquemart-André Museum (Musee Jacquemart-André) is a museum in a former private hotel (city palace) in Paris. Its collection is brought together by a private collector; Édouard André in 1875. He mainly collected works by old Italian masters, which he bought with his wife Nélie Jacquemart. His w

The Museum of Fine Arts of Rennes is a municipal museum located in Rennes, the capital of Brittany in France. It is one of the most significant museums outside of Paris, with a wide range of collections from ancient Egypt antiquities to Modern art.

The Abbey of Saint-Loup was not only a religious center but also a hub of intellectual activity. It developed a renowned library and a scriptorium, contributing significantly to the literary culture of the time. The famous poet Chrétien de Troyes is believed to have been a distinguished guest of this abbey, further enhancing its cultural significance.

The Louvre-Lens is an art museum located in the northern French city of Lens. Opened in 2012, it serves as a branch of the renowned Paris Louvre. The museum showcases a wide range of artworks from all departments of the Paris Louvre, spanning from the 3rd millennium BC to 1850. This offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a diverse collection of art from different periods and cultures.

The Musée Sainte-Croix, located in Poitiers, France, is the city's largest museum. It was constructed in 1974, replacing the former Abbaye Sainte-Croix. The museum's architecture, a blend of concrete and glass, reflects the style of the 1970s.

The Musée de Vauluisant, also known as the Museum of Hosiery, is a museum located in Troyes, France. It is dedicated to the art of Troyes from the 16th century and the hosiery industry. The museum is housed in the Vauluisant Mansion, which is a classified historical monument. The museum offers a unique insight into the history and culture of Troyes, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in art, history, and industry.

The Granet Museum, located in Aix-en-Provence, is one of the oldest and richest art museums in France. It was founded in 1765 and has since been a significant cultural landmark in the region. The museum's collection was initially formed from the antique collection of Fauris de Saint-Vincent and has grown over the centuries to include a wide range of artworks.

Housing ancient items, artworks and musical instruments from all around the world, this museum is a perfect place for every history buff.

The Musée Fabre, located in the southern French city of Montpellier, was established by François-Xavier Fabre, a painter from the same city, in 1825. This museum is one of the main attractions of Montpellier and is situated near the city's main square, the Place de la Comédie. The museum's significance is acknowledged nationally as it is classified as a Musée de France by the French Ministry of Culture.

The City of Paris Fine Art Museum is housed in the Petit Palais in Paris, which was built for the 1900 World's Fair (the 1900 Exposition Universelle ("universal exhibition")) by the architect Charles Girault. The museum holds and exhibits a large collection of ancient and modern art, including paint

The Château d'Asnières is a historic stately home located at 89 rue du Château in the town of Asnières-sur-Seine, in the Hauts-de-Seine region of France. This grand estate, which was one of the finest near Paris in the mid-18th century, showcases the artistic ambitions of its former owner, Marc-René d'Argenson, marquis de Voyer. He commissioned some of the best artists and craftsmen of his time to work on the building, resulting in a magnificent architectural masterpiece.

The Mont-de-Piété Museum, established in 1953, is located in the historic town of Bergues in Northern France. The museum is housed in the former Mont-de-Piété, a building with a rich history dating back to 1630. The building was designed by Wenceslas Cobergher, a renowned architect of the time. The museum offers visitors a chance to explore this historic building while enjoying its extensive collection of art and natural history.

The Musée de Grenoble is the city museum of Grenoble in France. It was founded in 1798 and has been located in a new building on the banks of the Isère River since 1994. This location offers a unique setting for the museum, combining the beauty of the natural landscape with the architectural design of the building.

The Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles, colloquially known as the Blue Museum, is a significant archaeological institution located in Arles. It was officially opened to the public in 1995 and has since been a hub for history enthusiasts and tourists alike. The museum is renowned for its extensive collection and its focus on the history of Arles and its surrounding areas, from prehistoric times to the end of the Roman era.

The Cabinet des estampes et dessins, also known as the Grafikkabinett, is a significant part of Strasbourg's cultural heritage. It houses the city's graphic collection, which includes drawings, woodcuts, copper engravings, and lithographs dating from around 1400 to 1870. The museum is located in close proximity to the Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city's rich art scene.

The Magnin Museum is a national museum situated in the city of Dijon, which is part of the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region in France. This location is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, making it a significant site for tourists interested in French art and history.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Limoges is an art and cultural history museum situated in the French city of Limoges, within the Haute-Vienne department. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering visitors a deep dive into the rich art and cultural history of the area.

The Musée de la Chartreuse, located in Douai, France, is an art museum housed in a former Carthusian monastery. This unique setting provides a historical backdrop to the museum's extensive collection of art, adding an extra layer of interest for visitors.

The Museum of Fine Arts in La Rochelle is a museum dedicated to fine arts. It is located in the city of La Rochelle, in the Charente-Maritime region of France. The museum is part of the arts and history museums of La Rochelle, offering a rich collection of artworks for visitors to explore.

The Musée des Augustins is a fine arts museum in Toulouse. The museum holds a collection of sculpture and paintings from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. The paintings find their origin throughout France, the sculptures represent the Occitan culture of the region with many Romanesque sculp

The Bavay Ancient Forum is an archaeological site museum situated in the town of Bavay, in the Nord department of France. This museum allows visitors to explore the remnants of the forum and fortress, as well as a museum that traces the history of the site and more broadly, of ancient Bagacum. Today, the Bavay forum remains one of the most significant in the entire Roman world, covering more than 2.5 hectares. The site and museum are located opposite the Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church on rue de Gommeries, near the center of Bavay, at 2 allée chanoine Biévelet.

Musée National des Arts Asiatiques - Musée Guimet is a French museum of Asian art in Paris. Although the museum now covers almost all of East Asia, focus is on archaeological pieces and classical oriental art, with few to no contemporary or ethnological pieces. There is however an extensive textile

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Carcassonne is an art museum that was established in 1836. It is situated in the Bastide Saint-Louis in Carcassonne and is housed in the city's old presidium. The museum was founded by art and history enthusiasts, making it a significant cultural landmark in the city.

The Museo d'arte di Tolone, located in Toulon, is a significant center for the conservation and exhibition of the municipal collections of the city. It is a place where visitors can explore a wide range of artworks and historical artifacts, providing a deep insight into the city's cultural heritage.

Musée gallo-romain de Fourvière (The Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière) is a museum on the Gallo-Roman civilisation in Lyon. The museum is located near the city's Roman theatre on the Fourvière hill. Musée gallo-romain de Fourvière holds a collection of Roman, Celtic and pre-Roman material, inclu

The Bemberg Foundation (Fondation Bemberg) is a major art gallery in Toulouse that is housed in Hôtel d'Assézat, a Renaissance hôtel particulier. The Fondation Bemberg is one of the major private collections of art in Europe. It is the private collection of Georges Bemberg (1915 - 2011) that include

The Calvet Museum, located in Avignon, is the city's primary museum. Its extensive collection is divided between two distinct buildings. The fine arts collection is housed in an 18th-century hôtel particulier, a type of grand townhouse. A separate Lapidary Museum, which showcases stone carvings and sculptures, is located in the former chapel of the city's Jesuit college on rue de la République.

Musée des Arts Asiatiques de Nice is the Asian Arts Museum of Nice in Parc Phœnix, which houses collections of Asian arts. It was inaugurated in 1981 and was designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. Its collections are from private and public collections, reflecting the important civilizations in

The Musée des Tissus et des Arts décoratifs is a museum in Lyon that is housed in two 18th century hôtels particuliers and actually consists of two museum: the Museum of Textiles (Musée des Tissus) and the Decorative Arts Museum (Musée des arts décoratifs). The museum holds a very large collection o

Since April 2011, the Musée Bonnat-Helleu has been closed to the public for extensive renovations. An architectural project, which aims to double the size of the museum, was initiated in early 2018. The goal is to reopen the museum to the public in 2025.

The Lascaris Palace, museum of ancient musical instruments (French: Palais Lascaris, musée des instruments de musique anciens) is an old aristocratic palace and musical instrument museum in the old city center of Nice in France. It dates from the first half of the 17th century and houses a collectio

The Massena Museum (Musée Masséna) is a state museum in Nice. that has since 1921 been displaying art from the Belle Époque, as well as regional art and history of the Côte d'Azur. In the Masséna Museum, painting, sculpture, arts and crafts, Belle Epoque furniture and furnishings are on display on t

The Musée d'archéologie méditerranéenne (Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology) is a museum in Marseille that is dedicated to the art of civilizations around the Mediterranean. The museum holds a collection of objects related to Egypt that is the largest in France after the Louvre in Paris. Besides th

The Municipal Museum of Art and History of Colombes is situated in the city of Colombes, within the Hauts-de-Seine department in France. This location is easily accessible and offers a rich cultural experience for tourists visiting the area.

The Musée d'Opale Sud is an artistic and historical museum located in Berck, in the Pas-de-Calais region of France. It is part of the network of museums in the Montreuillois region, which includes museums in the cities of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Étaples, Montreuil, and Berck. The museum was established in March 1979 in the former gendarmerie and expanded in 2002 with a new construction at the back of the building. It is located at 60, rue de l'Impératrice, 300 meters from the beach and is accessible to all audiences.

The Earthenware and Fine Arts Museum, also known as the Earthenware Museum of Nevers, is a French museum located in Nevers, in the Nièvre region. The museum's primary focus is on earthenware and painting, offering visitors a unique insight into these art forms. It is an ideal destination for art enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Nevers.

The Musée Cernuschi is a museum in Paris that is dedicated to Asian arts with a collection that focuses on the Far East: China, Japan, Korea. The Italian-French politician and economist Henri Cernuschi had left his collections in 1896 to the city of Paris, after which the Musée Cernuschi was opened

The Musée Eugène Boudin, situated in the northern French town of Honfleur in the Calvados department of Normandy, is a museum dedicated to art and cultural history. It offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a significant collection of pre-impressionist paintings and works by Norman painters who have stayed in Honfleur.

The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire Louis-Senlecq is a municipal museum located in L'Isle-Adam, Val-d'Oise, France. It holds the prestigious label of "Musée de France", which is a mark of its quality and significance. The museum houses a collection of art primarily from the 19th and 20th centuries, with a particular focus on works related to L'Isle-Adam and its surrounding region.

The Musée Cognacq-Jay is an art museum in Paris that was founded by Marie-Louise Jaÿ (1838-1925) and her husband Ernest Cognacq (1839-1928). The founders and owners of the La Samaritaine department store built a large collection of valuable furniture and works of art from between 1900 and 1925. The

The Musée national Eugène Delacroix (Musée Delacroix) is a museum in Paris that is dedicated to the French Romantic artist regarded as the leader of the French Romantic school Eugène Delacroix. The museum is located in the former home of Delacroix, where both his studio and apartment can be visited.

The Musée des beaux-arts de Marseille is an art museum in Marseille that is housed in the right wing of the Palais Longchamp that was built by the architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu between 1862 and 1869. The museum holds a collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings from the 16th to the 19th

The archaeological museum of Cimiez (Musée archéologique de Nice-Cimiez) is a museum in Nice in France that is dedicated to ancient history, located on the hill of Cimiez, the ancient Roman town of Cemenelum. With the museum of human paleontology of Terra-Amata, it constitutes the museum of archeolo

The Joseph-Denais Museum, situated in Beaufort-en-Vallée in Maine-et-Loire, is recognized as a "Museum of France". It boasts a diverse collection that spans across various disciplines such as natural sciences, fine arts, decorative arts, Egyptian and Mediterranean archaeology, as well as French and foreign ethnography. The museum also provides insights into local history, making it a comprehensive destination for those interested in a wide range of subjects.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux is an art museum situated in the French city of Bordeaux, within the Gironde department. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of art collections.

The Beaune Museum of Fine Arts, also known as MBAB, is situated at Porte Marie-de-Bourgogne, 6 Bd Perpreuil and 19 rue Poterne in the city of Beaune. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the region through its art collections.

The Museum of Art and History of Langres, also known as the Guy-Baillet Museum, is a significant cultural institution in the city. Founded in 1841, it is located in the old town, a short distance from the Saint-Mammès Cathedral. The museum is dedicated to Guy Baillet, a former mayor of the city, and is housed in a former church that was expanded with a contemporary building in 1995.

The Ducastel-Véra Museum is a unique institution that brings together a diverse range of collections. Since 2021, it has housed the collections of the municipal museum, which includes Fine Arts from the 15th to the 20th century. Additionally, it is home to the Paul-and-André-Véra Museum, the royal apothecary, and the birthplace of Claude-Debussy. The museum also showcases the natural history collections of the city of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Agen is a significant cultural institution located in the city of Agen, in the Lot-et-Garonne department of France. The museum was established by the Société académique d’Agen, a scholarly society, in the year 1776 and was officially opened to the public in 1836.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Morlaix, also known as the Musée des Jacobins, is a museum located in the city of Morlaix in the Finistère region of Brittany. This museum is housed in a former Jacobin convent dating back to the 13th century, which was confiscated during the French Revolution. The museum was opened in 1887 and has been a significant cultural institution in the region ever since.

The Paul Dupuy Museum (Musée Paul Dupuy) is a museum in Toulouse that is housed in a mansion house from the 17th century and named after collector Paul Dupuy. A highlight in the museum is the ancient clock collection, but the museum also includes many drawings and prints by regional artists, adverti

The Fine Arts Museum of Nimes is an art gallery situated in the French city of Nimes, within the Occitania region. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the city, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of artworks from various periods and regions.

The Musée national Adrien-Dubouché is a French national museum that is dedicated to Limoges porcelain and the history of ceramics. It is located in Limoges, a city in the Haute-Vienne department of France. The museum is part of the Cité de la céramique - Sèvres et Limoges public establishment. It was founded in 1845 by Tiburce Morisot, the prefect of Haute-Vienne and father of the painter Berthe Morisot.

The Fondation Custodia is a foundation in Paris that was founded in 1947, located in the Hôtel Turgot, that manages the collection of Frits Lugt, a self-taught collector and connoisseur of Dutch drawings and prints. Frits Lugt started his collection of drawings in the thirties. The collection compri

Established in 1872, the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Belfort is the oldest museum in the city. It offers a rich history and a wide range of exhibits, making it a significant cultural landmark in Belfort.

The Musée des Augustins is a municipal art museum in Hazebrouck, founded in 1927. It is housed in a former Augustinian monastery dating back to 1616. This historical building adds a unique charm to the museum, making it a fascinating place to explore for those interested in both art and architecture.

The Museum of Fine Arts of Vannes, also known as the Cohue Museum, is a significant cultural institution in the city of Vannes, located in the Brittany region of France. Established in 1982, it is one of the city's museums and is recognized for its collection of paintings and engravings. The museum is housed in a building that has been listed as a historical monument since 1929 and is labeled as a 'Museum of France'.

The Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology in Châlons-en-Champagne is a significant cultural institution in France. Established in 1794, it is located at Place Godart. The museum was initially created to house the movable properties of emigrants and religious houses. Over the years, it has grown to become a repository of fine arts and archaeological artifacts, making it a fascinating destination for art and history enthusiasts.

The Paul Valéry Museum is a significant cultural landmark in the city of Sète. It is situated on the slope of Mount Saint-Clair, overlooking the marine cemetery where the renowned poet Paul Valéry is laid to rest. This location not only offers a rich historical context but also provides visitors with a picturesque view of the surrounding area.

The Échevinage Museum is a significant cultural institution in the city of Saintes, located in the Charente-Maritime department of France. It is one of the city's main museums, offering visitors a chance to explore a range of art collections primarily from the 19th century.

The Museum of Art and History, previously known as the Museum of Fine Arts, is situated in the Jean Lurçat Cultural Center in Saint-Lô. This museum is home to a significant collection of paintings from the 17th to the 20th century, some of which come from various donations. The museum also houses historical pieces such as the Thorigny marble, tapestries of Gombault and Macée's loves, a lapidary from the Notre-Dame church, and a 15th-century monetary treasure.

The Charles Portal Museum, a classified Museum of France, is dedicated to the art, history, and heritage of the Cordes region. It was established by Charles Portal, a passionate archivist and local historian. The museum is a testament to the rich cultural and historical legacy of the region, offering visitors a chance to delve into the past and gain a deeper understanding of the area's unique heritage.

The Arras Museum of Fine Arts, established in 1795, is housed in the former Saint-Vaast Abbey in Arras, Pas-de-Calais, Hauts-de-France. This historic location adds a unique charm to the museum, making it a fascinating destination for art and history enthusiasts alike.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts et des Arts décoratifs de Mirande is a museum located in the town of Mirande, in the Gers department of France. It showcases a diverse range of artworks, including paintings from French, Italian, and Dutch schools. In addition to these, the museum also houses collections of ceramics and faience from the South-West of France. These collections provide a comprehensive overview of the artistic heritage of these regions, making it a worthwhile destination for art enthusiasts.

The Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie de Laon is a significant cultural institution in the city of Laon. It was established in 1861 and has been housed in the former Templar commandery since 1891. This historic building also includes a chapel that dates back to the 12th century. The museum is recognized as a 'Musée de France', a label that guarantees the quality and relevance of its collections.

The Jeanne d'Aboville Museum is a recognized Museum of France, situated in the Hauts de France region, specifically in La Fère, Aisne. This museum is dedicated to French art and is open all year round, making it a suitable destination for tourists regardless of the season.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts is a history and art museum situated in the French city of Cambrai. It offers a unique blend of historical artifacts and artistic masterpieces, providing a comprehensive insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The Boucher-de-Perthes Museum is an archaeology and fine arts museum situated in the heart of the city of Abbeville. It is located at 24, rue Gontier-Patin, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city center.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Valenciennes is a fine arts museum located in the French city of Valenciennes. It was established in 1801 and is housed in a building that dates back to 1909. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the city and offers a rich collection of fine arts for visitors to explore.

The Perfume museum Paris Fragonard is a museum in Paris that is dedicated to perfume and shows the manufacturing process from raw materials to harvesting, extraction, distillation, formulation, industrialization and bottling together with the creative process and work of the master “noses”. Furtherm

The Museum of History of Toulon and its region, previously known as the Museum of Old Toulon, is an institution dedicated to art and history. It is situated in the city of Toulon, in the Var department of France. The museum was established in 1949 and has since been a repository of art and historical documents related to Toulon and its surrounding region.

The Musee des Arts Asiatiques, situated in the "Jules Verne" villa in Toulon, is home to a diverse collection of Asian art. The exhibits are organized by geographical origin, providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of the artistic traditions of various Asian regions.