Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours

About the museum

The museum occupies the former archbishop’s palace, next to the Saint-Gatien cathedral, where the archbishopric has been seated since the 4th century. The palace was enlarged in the 17th and 18th centuries, and its Synod wing hosted the Estates General of the Kingdom of France in 1468 and 1484.

After 1789 the building served in turn as a theatre, a school and a library. In 1792 it became a depot for works seized during the Revolution. The museum opened to the public in March 1795 and was officially established by decree in 1801. The archbishopric took back the palace in 1802; the collections were moved, and returned in 1910, when the City of Tours bought the building.

The collections comprise around 18,000 pieces, of which about 1,000 are on display. They include Greek and Etruscan ceramics from the Campana collection, Italian Primitives with two panels by Mantegna, works by Le Sueur and Philippe de Champaigne, and a small canvas by Rembrandt, “La Fuite en Égypte”. The restored 18th-century salons show French painting, while the 19th century is represented by Delacroix, Chassériau, Monet, Degas and Rodin.

The garden of the former archbishop’s residence, opened to the public after renovation in 1910–1911, combines a French formal garden with a small English-style wood. It contains a cedar of Lebanon planted in the early 19th century and the stuffed elephant Fritz, displayed in the courtyard.

Highlights

• Italian Primitives, including two panels by Mantegna
• “La Fuite en Égypte” by Rembrandt
• Restored 18th-century salons with French painting
• 19th-century paintings: Delacroix, Chassériau, Monet, Degas
• Garden with a cedar of Lebanon and the stuffed elephant Fritz

Permanent exhibitions

• Salons du XVIIIe siècle et collection du XIXe siècle – French 18th-century painting in restored salons and a 19th-century collection on the third floor.
• Le jardin de l'ancien archevêché – French formal garden and small English-style wood, with a cedar of Lebanon and the stuffed elephant Fritz.

Founded

1795

Operated by

Ville de Tours

Visitors per year

approx. 70,805

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of each month.

Entry is also free for school groups on self-guided visits, job seekers, recipients of the RSA, war veterans and holders of the Carte Culture, with proof; free for students and teachers of art history and of the Beaux-Arts schools.

Accessibility

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

A tactile path leads from the gate to the garden, with a gently sloping ramp along the façade; the reception is not wheelchair-accessible, and a bell is installed under the counter. A lift serves all three levels, a wheelchair is lent, and adapted toilets are accessible on request in the courtyard. 3D reproductions of works are available, some with captions in Braille and easy-read text; a guided tour in French Sign Language is offered for each temporary exhibition, and a route described through the Wivisites app. Accessible parking spaces in the courtyard on request.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

“Le musée, c’est quoi ?” guided visit for 3- to 5-year-olds, with a painting workshop, aimed mainly at holiday centres; activities for young audiences and workshops during school holidays. Free admission for under-26s.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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