Château de Rosa Bonheur

About the museum

The château de By is a former manor estate dating back to the 15th century. In 1859 the animal painter Rosa Bonheur (1822–1899) bought it with the proceeds from her painting “Le Marché aux chevaux” and had her studio built by the architect Jules Saulnier. She lived there for the last forty years of her life.

When she died in 1899, the property passed to Anna Klumpke, her adopted daughter, companion and biographer, who preserved it. The estate later went to the Klumpke-Dejerine-Sorrel family. The studio has remained as the artist left it: her embroidered smock, brushes, palettes, sketchbooks and other personal belongings can be seen there.

The château also holds archives, studies, drawings and works by Rosa Bonheur and Anna Klumpke. An association, the Amis du château de Rosa Bonheur, works on the restoration, research and promotion of the site. The park of about four hectares hosts a concert festival every summer.

Highlights

• Rosa Bonheur's studio preserved in its original state
• Personal belongings of the artist: smock, palettes, brushes, sketchbooks
• Archives, drawings and studies by Rosa Bonheur and Anna Klumpke
• Park of about four hectares and tearoom
• Special visit for children up to age 8

Permanent exhibition

• L'atelier de Rosa Bonheur – The artist's studio, kept as she left it in 1899, with her work clothes, painting tools and sketchbooks.

Admission & discounts

The full rate shown applies to high season. The reduced rate applies only once when the person is accompanied by an adult paying the full rate. Tickets are non-refundable but can be exchanged up to 4 days before the visit. For Museum Night, €1 tours are offered by reservation.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The studio is on the upper floor, reached by a wide staircase of 19 steps; the museum is not accessible to wheelchairs or pushchairs. The tearoom is step-free. The visit can be adapted for certain groups: please contact the château.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly: not available

The full visit may not suit children under 6. A special visit of 30 to 40 minutes is offered to children up to age 8, every day at 15:00 during school holidays. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Getting there & parking

By car from Paris: about 1 hr 10 min via the A6 towards Lyon, exit Fontainebleau, then follow signs to Thomery. Car sharing is encouraged.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Tearoom (weekend brunch by reservation) and shop, also online. The château also offers guest rooms. Bags are not admitted to the museum.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 200 guests.

The orangery, stables and glasshouse form a space of more than 160 m² opening onto the park. Seminars, receptions and dinners; caterers and decoration possible.

Plan your visit