Musée d'Art moderne et contemporain de Saint-Étienne Métropole

About the museum

The origins of the collection go back to 1833, when a bequest of shells, stuffed animals, minerals and medals was installed in the Saint-Étienne town hall. The Palais des Arts opened in 1860, and the institution became the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie in 1890. The Musée d'art moderne was inaugurated on December 10, 1987, in a new building north of the city.

The building, designed to plans by the architect Didier Guichard, is recognisable by its façade of black ceramic tiles, a reference to the region's mining past. It offers about 3,000 m² of exhibition space.

The collection numbers more than 23,000 works, mostly from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, ranging from Surrealism to contemporary movements, with Pop Art, Nouveau Réalisme and Minimal Art. It also includes an important photography holding and a design collection of about 2,000 objects and 600 drawings, with pieces by Charlotte Perriand, Ray and Charles Eames, and Serge Mouille, for example. About half of the collections come from gifts and bequests. The museum is run by Saint-Étienne Métropole.

Highlights

• More than 23,000 works from the 19th to the 21st century
• Major design collection including Charlotte Perriand and the Eameses
• Photography holdings
• Black ceramic façade evoking the region's mining past
• Works of Pop Art, Nouveau Réalisme and Minimal Art

Founded

1987

Operated by

Saint-Étienne Métropole

Director

Aurélie Voltz

Visitors per year

approx. 72,411

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of every month, for everyone

Admission is also free for job seekers, recipients of social minimum benefits, ICOM members and other groups on proof. Free admission for everyone during orange or red heatwave alerts in the Loire department. Payment by cheque, cash, card, chèques-vacances and the Pass Région.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

Ramp from the tram stop to the entrance, wheelchairs and seat-canes available to borrow at reception, 7 reserved parking spaces, induction loop at reception and in the bookshop, regular tactile and audio-described tours, guided tours in French Sign Language. The lift serves the Jean Laude library. Handi'Stas adapted transport service. The museum can be reached through the Acceo service.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly

Family tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 16:00 (from age 6), storytelling tours for 3- to 6-year-olds, workshops during school holidays, and visits for toddlers from 1 to 2 years. A free poster game for 3- to 6-year-olds and a magazine for 7- to 12-year-olds are available.

Getting there & parking

By car from Lyon or Clermont-Ferrand: exit Saint-Étienne Nord, La Terrasse. Handi'Stas adapted transport service for people with reduced mobility.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Café du Musée in the entrance hall (Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00–17:00, Sunday brunch by reservation) and the Planque restaurant (lunch Monday to Friday, dinner Thursday and Friday). Free Wi-Fi via the Sainté Wifi network. Free lockers before the galleries. Backpacks and large suitcases are not admitted to the galleries. Museum shop and bookshop, and the Jean Laude library.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit