Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Orléans

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1797 on the initiative of the painter Jean Bardin and the collector Aignan-Thomas Desfriches, using works seized during the Revolution. It was first housed in the former episcopal palace, then in the chapel of a former college, before closing in 1804. It was re-established in 1823 in the Hôtel des Créneaux. In 1855 the historical collections were separated to form a distinct museum, while the fine arts continued to grow through gifts, bequests and deposits from the state.

In the 20th century the galleries became too small, and a supplementary building opened in 1922 after a major bequest. The Second World War then caused heavy damage. The current museum, designed by the architect Christian Langlois, opened in 1984, adjoining the town hall near the Place Sainte-Croix.

From 2016 onward the collections were reorganised chronologically, floor by floor. The galleries devoted to the 19th century reopened in 2021, followed by new rooms covering the period from 1870 to the present day. The museum holds about 2,000 paintings, 700 sculptures, thousands of drawings and prints, and a very rich collection of pastels. It holds the Musée de France label.

Highlights

• “Saint Thomas”, attributed to Velázquez, a rare early work in a French museum
• “La Sainte Famille avec le petit saint Jean” by Correggio
• Collection of 18th-century pastels, one of the most important in France
• Paintings by Guido Reni, Ribera, Watteau and Gauguin (“La Fête Gloanec”)
• Sculptures by Houdon, Rodin, Bourdelle and Picasso
• Print by Dürer, “Samson tuant le lion”

Founded

1797

Operated by

Ville d'Orléans

Visitors per year

approx. 63,328

Admission & discounts

Free admission: The first Sunday of every month and at certain municipal, national, departmental and regional events in the museums' programme

The ticket for €8 (or €4 reduced) gives same-day access to all museums in Orléans: the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Centre Jeanne d'Arc and the Hôtel Cabu, including temporary exhibitions. Admission is also free for teachers of several subjects, recipients of minimum social allowances, holders of press cards, ICOM, ICOMOS or tour-guide cards, and holders of the Pass Éducation. These free admissions and the reduced rate do not apply with the Pass musées.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• 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 19th-century collections on the mezzanine floors (entresols) are not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Two wheelchairs and folding seats can be borrowed on request at the reception desk. The large galleries on the upper floor are reached without steps.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Workshops for 4- to 6-year-olds (with a parent) and 7- to 10-year-olds, drawing sessions for 8- to 15-year-olds, art courses during the holidays, tours for babies from 4 months to 3 years, play tours for the whole family from the age of 4, and a space with small open workshops near the temporary exhibition galleries.

Getting there & parking

Bicycle parking in front of the museum.

Amenities & dining

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

Cloakroom and lockers are available; leaving backpacks and bulky objects is mandatory. The museum states that public Wi-Fi is available in the auditorium. A shop is presented on the museums' website.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 201 guests.

Auditorium with 201 seats and galleries for large formats (step-free access to the upper floor). The entire museum can be booked privately for cocktails or dinners, as well as for breakfasts, after-work events, lectures and private visits outside opening hours.

Plan your visit