Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen

About the museum

The museum’s origins go back to the Revolution: as early as 1790, inventories were drawn up to build a public collection. The Chaptal decree of 1801 officially established the museum, which first opened to the public in 1799 in the Jesuit church before moving to the town hall, where it was inaugurated in 1809 with a catalogue of 244 paintings.

In the 19th century the collection grew through bequests, gifts and purchases. The painter Gabriel Lemonnier, one of the founders, brought Velázquez’s “Democritus”, and Delacroix deposited “La Justice de Trajan” in 1844. The architect Louis Sauvageot built the present building from 1873; the first wing opened in 1880 and the whole was completed in 1888. It also housed a library.

In the 20th century, the gift of François Depeaux in 1909 created the first Impressionist collection in France outside Paris. Other major acquisitions followed, such as the Jacques-Émile Blanche collection in 1921 and the Baderou donation in 1975. A complete renovation, led by Andrée Putman, was completed in 1994 and enlarged the exhibition space.

The display today presents paintings, sculptures, drawings and objets d’art from the 15th century to the present, with works by Caravaggio, Rubens, Velázquez, Poussin, Fragonard, Delacroix, Monet and Modigliani.

Highlights

• Impressionist collection from the gift of François Depeaux, including works by Monet
• 17th-century masterpieces, from Caravaggio to Velázquez, Rubens and Poussin
• Delacroix’s “La Justice de Trajan”, deposited in Rouen in 1844
• Sculpture garden under glass roof with 19th-century sculptures
• Works by Modigliani, the Duchamp brothers and the Puteaux group

Permanent exhibition

• Collections permanentes – Painting, sculpture, drawing and objets d’art from the 15th century to today, from the Baroque through Impressionism to contemporary art, with the sculpture garden.

Founded

1801

Operated by

Réunion des Musées Métropolitains Rouen Normandie (Métropole Rouen Normandie)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission: Free events during Museum Night and European Heritage Days

The permanent collections are free. Temporary exhibitions are paid, with a reduced rate; under-18s, under-26s, job seekers and recipients of minimum social benefits receive free admission or a reduced rate on proof. A reduced rate is offered to visitors arriving by train, coach or bicycle.

Accessibility

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

Accessible entrances at 26 bis rue Jean-Lecanuet, at the auditorium and on rue Deshays. Tactile tours and tours in French Sign Language are offered.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

“Un dimanche en famille” offer, workshops for children and family workshops, Muséotribu games and visit trails with questions for the youngest visitors.

Getting there & parking

Other bus stops: Square Verdrel – rue Jeanne-d’Arc. The public transport network is free on Saturdays. Accessible entrance at 26 bis rue Jean-Lecanuet.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi, luggage storage and a shop according to the regional tourism portal; library and bicycle parking.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 350 guests.

Sculpture garden under glass roof: dinners for 50 to 120 people, cocktails for 100 to 350 people, private breakfasts with a guided tour. Olga Popovitch Auditorium: 100 seats, for professional or cultural events.

Plan your visit