Renaissance art & Early modern art museums in France

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.

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 du Petit Palais is a museum and art gallery located in Avignon, a city in southern France. The museum was inaugurated in 1976 and has since been a significant cultural landmark in the region.

The Hôtel Goüin is a historic mansion located in Tours, France. This hôtel particulier, a term used to describe a grand townhouse, was constructed in the 15th century. Its architecture and history make it a significant landmark in the city.

The Historical Museum of Strasbourg, located in a Renaissance building that was once a slaughterhouse, is dedicated to showcasing the city's history. The museum's exhibits span from the early Middle Ages to the contemporary period, providing a comprehensive view of Strasbourg's past. Visitors can expect to learn about the city's political, economic, and social history through a variety of exhibits.

Visit this Neo-Gothic/Neo-Renaissance architectural jewel which houses a museum of religious art and also produces the famous Bénédictine liquor.

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 Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy, located in Dijon, is a remarkable example of preserved architecture. The oldest parts of the palace date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, showcasing the Gothic style of the period. These include the ducal palace, the seat of the Dukes of Burgundy, and various other structures such as the ducal kitchens and the tour de Philippe le Bon.

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.

The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire Baron Gérard, located in Bayeux in the French department of Calvados, is a museum of art and history. It is housed in the Palais épiscopal de Bayeux, the former palace of the Bishops of Bayeux. This location adds a historical and architectural dimension to the museum, making it a unique place to explore both art and history.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon, opened in 1787, is one of the main and oldest museums in France. Located in Dijon, this museum of fine arts holds a significant place in the country's cultural heritage.

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 Château d'Écouen, a French palace located in Écouen, north of Paris, is a significant historical site. It was constructed between 1538 and 1550 for Anne de Montmorency, who was appointed as the head of the Royal armies in 1538. The palace's rich history and architectural beauty make it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in French history and architecture.

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.

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 Musée historique is a city and cultural history museum located in the municipality of Hagenau in Alsace, which is now part of the Région Grand Est in France. The museum offers a deep dive into the history and culture of the region, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in understanding the past and present of Hagenau and Alsace.

The Hôtel-Dieu-le-Comte de Troyes, once a hôtel-Dieu, now serves as the home for the Musée de l'Apothicairerie and the Cité du Vitrail de Troyes. This historic building, located in Troyes, France, has been repurposed to house these two significant cultural institutions. The Musée de l'Apothicairerie is a museum dedicated to the history of pharmacy and medicine, while the Cité du Vitrail de Troyes is a center dedicated to the art and history of stained glass.

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 Angladon Museum - Jacques Doucet is situated in the heart of Avignon at 5 rue Laboureur. The museum is housed in the hôtel de Massilian, a former hôtel particulier built in the 18th century. This historic building adds a unique charm to the museum, making it not just a place to view art, but also a piece of history itself.

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 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 Dobrée is situated in the Graslin district of Nantes, a location that is conveniently close to the city's Natural History Museum. This makes it an ideal destination for tourists who are interested in exploring multiple cultural and historical sites during their visit to Nantes.

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 Museum of Time in Besançon is a unique institution that combines history and horology. It is situated in Besançon, a city renowned as the capital of watchmaking. The museum is located in the Doubs department, within the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France. This location adds to the museum's significance, as it is nestled in a region with a rich history of timekeeping and watchmaking.

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 Museum of Sacred Art in Dijon, a municipal museum dedicated to Catholic sacred art, was inaugurated in 1980. It is located within the Sainte-Anne Church of Dijon and was established by Canon Jean Marilier. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural significance of Catholic sacred art.

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.

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.

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 Languedoc Museum, situated in Montpellier, France, is a historical and archaeological institution that focuses on the heritage of the Languedoc region. Its collections are particularly rich in artifacts from the medieval and modern periods, offering visitors a unique insight into the region's past.

The Château de Châteaubriant, located in the commune of Châteaubriant in the Loire Atlantique department of France, is a medieval castle with a rich history dating back to the 11th century. It was initially founded as a fortress to defend the eastern border of Brittany. Over the centuries, the castle has undergone several renovations and modifications, particularly during the Renaissance period, which have contributed to its current appearance.

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice (Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret) is an art museum in Nice that is housed in a Neo-renaissance mansion, the former private mansion of Russian Princess Elizaveta Vasilievna Kochubey built in 1878. Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret houses a collection of art spanning the

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 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.

Musée du Vieux Toulouse (The Museum of Old Toulouse) is a history museum in Toulouse that is housed in Hôtel Dumay, a building from the Renaissance. The museum exhibits objects that illustrate the history of Toulouse from antiquity to the 20th century. Each room in Musée du Vieux Toulouse is focused

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.

Musée Franciscain (the Franciscan Museum) is a museum in Nice in France that is devoted to the life of the Franciscans in Nice from the thirteenth to the eighteenth centuries. The museum illustrates the spiritual and social message of Saint Francis of Assisi through paintings, sculptures, engravings

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 du terroir marseillais (Museum of Terroir Marseillais) is a museum of arts and popular traditions located in Château Gombert in Marseille. The museum holds collections that are presented in eight renaissance-style rooms, including costumes, furniture, utensils, musical instruments, cribs a

Château du Méjanel is a historical monument located in the commune of Recoules-Prévinquières, in the Aveyron department of the Occitanie region in France. This castle is a significant example of the architectural and defensive characteristics of the Renaissance-era strongholds in Rouergue. It is nestled in the hamlet of the same name, along the D96 route leading to Vezins de Lévézou, and is situated near the village of Sévérac le Château in the upper valley of the Aveyron.

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 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.

After a period of six and a half years of closure for renovation, the Beaux-Arts Museum of Draguignan reopened its doors on November 16, 2023. The renovation has enhanced the museum's facilities and exhibits, providing an improved experience for visitors.

The Ducal Palace of Nevers is a historic castle dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. It was once the residence of the counts and dukes of Nevers and is located in the city of Nevers, France. This castle is a significant part of French history and offers a glimpse into the past.

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 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 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.