Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Arras

About the museum

The collections of the Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Arras have been housed in the Abbey of Saint-Vaast since the 19th century. In 1831 the town bought the entire west wing of the former Benedictine abbey to install the museum there. Together with those of the library, these collections tell the story of the town and of the Artois, and also offer a panorama of European art history, with works by Brueghel, Rubens, La Hyre, Corot, Breton and Delacroix.

The abbey was largely destroyed by German shells until 1918. The architect Pierre Paquet obtained its reconstruction: work began in 1920 and lasted fourteen years, with an unprecedented use of reinforced concrete and the preservation of the exterior façades. After the war, gifts and deposits from the State made it possible to rebuild the collection.

Redeveloped in 2020, the Pôle culturel Saint-Vaast brought together the museum and a media library around a single entrance called the Forum, with heritage and fine-arts trails. Today the museum is closed as part of an unprecedented restoration programme for the abbey, which is to result in a hybrid venue combining books and fine arts. The works are no longer visible in the galleries, but off-site programming continues, with original works or reproductions shown in unexpected places, as well as courses and workshops.

Highlights

• Collections with works by Brueghel, Rubens, La Hyre, Corot, Breton and Delacroix
• Abbey of Saint-Vaast, a historic monument rebuilt after the First World War
• Off-site programming of the Pôle culturel Saint-Vaast
• Holiday courses and art-practice workshops

Founded

1825

Operated by

Ville d'Arras

Visitors per year

approx. 174,049

Admission & discounts

The museum is closed during the restoration of the Abbey of Saint-Vaast; off-site programming is offered.

Accessibility

The museum is closed during the restoration of the Abbey of Saint-Vaast; off-site programming is offered.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Holiday courses and art-practice workshops continue during the closure.

Getting there & parking

Address: 22 rue Paul Doumer, 62000 Arras.

Amenities & dining

The museum is closed during the restoration of the Abbey of Saint-Vaast; off-site programming is offered.

Events & venue rental

The museum is closed during the restoration of the Abbey of Saint-Vaast; off-site programming is offered.

Plan your visit